CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Friday 8 March marks International Women’s Day, with people around the globe the recognising the great work of women from all walks of life.

Water Polo is a sport that provides equal opportunities for male and female participants across athlete pathways, coaching, referees and much more.

One of Australia’s well renowned women’s team members, who helped lead the charge for the addition of women to play in the Olympics, is Debbie Watson OAM.

Captaining the Australian Women’s Water Polo team from 1991-1995, Watson is the only female water polo player to have won gold at World Cup, World Championship and Olympic level.

Now coaching the next generation of women athletes through the OVO Australian Waterpolo League, Watson reflects on how the women’s game has evolved and how the Sydney 2000 Olympics was not just about the 13 players in the team, but all of those who came before her.

“The opportunity to compete at an Olympic Games fulfilled a lifelong dream for me and I realised just how lucky I was.

“I felt a sense of duty and pride to ensure all of my old team mates knew how important they were in us getting this incredible opportunity and that they could share the experience.

“I could imagine how difficult it would have been for all of those female athletes who had represented Australia to sit back and watch their dream happen but years too late for them. I know our Sydney 2000 team respected all of the women who paved the way for us,” she said.

Dubbed the ‘Golden Girls’ of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the team inspired a whole generation of women’s water polo players, and it’s a legacy Watson is humbled by.

“I'm incredibly proud of what the team achieved and the effect we had on the community.

“Nothing worthwhile comes easily and I think that particular team (Sydney 2000), including the staff, showed what you can achieve if you love what you do and you are prepared to make the sacrifices.”

Looking back over her career, Watson said there were two women who stood out to her as having a great influence on her career.

“Cathy Parkes and Debbie Handley Cummins. They were very different people but both fierce trainers and competitors, you always wanted be on their team in scrimmages!

“They taught me so much, they were very generous sharing their knowledge. They believed every game was winnable, they never gave up and they always encouraged the younger players.

“They were as tough as nails in the water and incredibly well respected domestically and internationally,” said Watson.

One of those inspired by the women of that Sydney 2000 team is triple Olympian Bronwen Knox, who is currently campaigning for her fourth Olympic Games.

A stalwart of the Aussies Stingers side, Knox has represented Australia more than 350 times and is also committed to helping develop the next generation of women’s players through her coaching roles.

Like Watson, she acknowledges the amazing work of the Aussie women’s water polo players over many, many decades.  

“I’m very proud to be apart of a strong history of Australia’s women’s water polo, well before we were finally invited to compete at the Olympic Games,” said Knox.

When asked how influential women's water polo players have been throughout her career Knox reply was simple…. “very!”.

“I’ve had some invaluable opportunities to be mentored and coached by some amazing women throughout my career.

“Not only have they had an impact on my athletic career, but within my own personal growth as well.”

As one of the leaders on the Australian water polo scene, Knox had some sound advice for the young female water polo players.

“Stop apologising for not being perfect, for making a mistake, dropping a pass, or missing a shot. Failure is a part of growth, don’t say sorry for pushing the boundaries of what you are capable of.

“Sport provides women an avenue to grow, explore and push boundaries of what they have been told they are capable of. Sport helps you build skills that will continue to play a role in all walks of life.”

Knox will have the honour of celebrating International women’s day with some inspiring female athletes at the Nike headquarters participating in the Nike Leadership roundtable as a part of the Women’s Athlete Business Network Leadership Program 2019.

Water Polo Australia would like to acknowledge all the great women who make our sport one of the most envied.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!