Image of Australian Olympic athlete sobbing on team bus isn’t all it seems

A picture of an Olympic athlete sobbing on a bus has gone viral - but there may be more to it than you initially realise.

Australian water polo star Abby Andrews was snapped in floods of tears on the team bus.

The 23-year-old athlete was instrumental to her team at the 2024 Paris Olympics and helped them secure a place in the final following a very intense penalty shootout yesterday (8 August).

Andrews' team prevailed against Team USA, scoring 14-13 within the La Defense Arena.

The photo in question of Andrews sobbing was uploaded by her teammate, Tilly Kearns.

Australia beat Team USA in the semi-finals. (Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

She captioned the snap: "First time for Australia in 24 years....1 more to get #olympics."

The Australian squad, The Stingers, headed up by coach Bec Rippon, are the first Australian women's side to reach the final in 24 years.

This dates back to the Sydney Games, a time when water polo was initially introduced for women to compete in at an Olympic level.

No small feat, so the tears make perfect sense.

Securing a place in the final means a medal is guaranteed.

In the high-stakes final, the Aussies will take on Spain, who have previously prevailed against the Netherlands with a score of 19-18.

Following Australia placing in the final, the team were overjoyed and tears were shed, even before reaching the bus.

Kearns' snap of Andrews has got social media talking.

One person wrote: "Never seen an ugly cry look so beautiful."

The 23-year-old athlete was instrumental to her team. (Instagram/@tillykearns)

Another said: "The Ugly Cry is the best. Go and get that dam Gold Medal."

A third cheered: "Absolutely amazing - loving watching every moment of the stingers!"

Andrews isn't the only Olympian to be overcome with emotion at the Games.

Matthew Hudson-Smith, a runner for Team GB, narrowly missed out on winning gold in the 400m final yesterday (8 August).

After being surprisingly overtaken on the track by America's Quincy Hall, and losing out on the top spot by 0.04 seconds, Hudson-Smith burst into tears when talking to his mother.

The victory is Australia's first in 24 years. (Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

The sweet moment stole the hearts of many as his mum wiped the tears from his face.

Following the race, Hudson-Smith told BBC Sport: "It’s crazy. Honestly, sometimes the journey is better than the outcome and it’s been a hell of a journey and I’m just grateful.

"I’m coming home with an Olympic silver, not many people in the world can say that.

"I’ve been the bridesmaid twice now, but my time is coming so I’m just happy. I’m grateful and it’s just the start."