On Monday Morning Matters (24 November) “Hendo” was joined by the CEO of Water Polo NSW, Lucy Warhurst, as the pair discussed Water Polo’s history and new upcoming achievements. 

In 2000, many women rioted for the inclusion of women’s water polo in the Sydney 2000 Olympics; as men had been competing for years. And what a better way to celebrate this inclusion, as the Australian women’s team won gold.

“You can’t be, what you can’t see,” said Warhurst, emphasising the importance of gender equality in sports for younger generations.

“To have little girls and boys, and all kids and adults around the world watching these amazing athletes who are females– also having a competition like the men do in water polo at the Olympics was just amazing.”

Last year at the Paris Olympics, Australia saw the women’s team win Silver, “making it into that final match– playing for the gold medal was the best result we had had since the 2000 Olympics,” said Warhurst. 

Despite all the amazing achievements accomplished by the Australian women’s water polo– new and exciting news arises for the renewal of an agreement.

In 1999, prior to having water polo in Sydney, “there was an agreement between the Olympic organising committee, the Ryde City Council and the Water Polo NSW. And the agreement was for five lots of five years– so through to 2025; this year to provide times during the week and days where they would allow Water Polo NSW to run its activities and programs for community water polo.” 

The Mayor of Ryde; Trentin Brown and CEO Wayne Rylands met with Water Polo NSW and agreed to extend their agreement on the same terms. 

“We’re about providing a safe environment for people of all ages, genders, abilities, backgrounds to come down and have a go. It’s such a wonderful sport,” said Warhurst. 

This exciting news comes prior to the World Cup final in July 2026 which will be their biggest event in water polo since 2000. 

The top eight nations men’s and women’s teams will be competing in Sydney, in hopes of taking home a medal. 

Photograph of Lucy Warhurst sourced from The Weekly Times.