History of Water Polo
Water Polo is the longest-standing team sport in the Olympic Games – first introduced at Paris 1900 for men and Sydney 2000 for women. It is now played in more than 100 countries.
Origins of the Sport
The game of “football in the water” was founded in 1844 by William Wilson of London, and later became known as water polo. Goal posts were not used at first, and the method of scoring was to swim with the ball and place it on a floating platform at the end of the field of play. The ball was made of thin rubber and was often torn to pieces.
Forty years later, William Henry of the Royal Life Saving Society of England standardised the game in 1885. The English Amateur Swimming Association formulated rules and recognised the sport, bringing it under their jurisdiction. The first international match was played at Kensington in 1890 between England and Scotland. Only a few countries played matches until the sport debuted at the Olympics in 1900.
Water Polo at the Olympic Games
Men’s Olympic competition began in 1900
The Paris Olympic Games in 1900 were the second modern Olympics. This was the first time water polo was played at the Olympics, making it the longest-standing team sport at the world’s premier sporting event. It was not included at St Louis 1904 but returned at London 1908 and has been contested at every Olympic Games since.
Hungary has been the dominant force in the men’s Olympic competition. The European powerhouse has been on the podium 16 times, including nine Olympic titles.
The Australian men’s water polo team, now known as the ‘Aussie Sharks’, first competed at the Olympic Games at London 1948. They have only missed two editions of the Olympics and have finished fifth on two occasions.
Worth the Wait for Women’s Water Polo
At the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, women’s water polo made its first appearance, 100 years after the men. Australian players and advocates, including Water Polo Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee, played a pivotal role in successfully lobbying for a women’s competition to be added to the Olympic program.
The Aussie Stingers created history by winning the first women’s Olympic gold in dramatic fashion over the USA in the final seconds, and have since won a further three Olympic medals.
USA has won the women’s Olympic title three times, and Paris 2024 is the only time they have not won an Olympic medal.
Almost 120 years of Aussie Sharks History
Since 1907, the Australian men’s water polo team have been competing internationally. Learn about the Aussie Sharks proud and successful history.
Sydney wasn’t the start of Stingers success
The Aussie Stingers achieved great success at major championships long before they won the first Olympic gold for women at Sydney 2000.
Australian Water Polo Legends
Celebrate the individuals who have shaped the history of water polo in Australia.
Water Polo Warriors: Chronicle of Australian Water Polo
For further information on the history of Australian water polo, this detailed chronicle is available by Dr Tracy Rockwell. A copy of this book can be purchased by contacting WPA.
