NSW Stars Set to Shine for Stingers at Paris Olympics

The historic Dawn Fraser Baths in Sydney provided the backdrop for last week’s exciting unveiling of the 13-strong Aussie Stingers women's water polo team set to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games, with a fantastic eight athletes hailing from New South Wales.

Water Polo NSW is thrilled to have such a strong representation of both coaches and athletes alike, as they prepare to represent Australia in Paris. We are looking forward to watching this talented group as they lead the Australian Stingers in their hunt for medals, bringing their signature skill and determination to the world stage.

Leading the Charge from the Sidelines:

• Bec Rippon (Head Coach): A decorated Olympian competing at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympics, where she won a bronze medal, Bec's experience and strategic insight will be crucial in guiding the team to success. With her wealth of knowledge and unwavering belief in the team's potential, Bec is confident in their ability to achieve great things in Paris. "I think you can expect the Stingers to have the attitude of going after everything," she declared. "We’re in Paris to be competitive and we’re there to chase a medal. The relentless Aussie style that we want to play is what we will be bringing in less than 80 days’ time."
• Taryn Woods (Assistant Coach): A Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medallist, Taryn's deep understanding of the game will provide invaluable support to Bec and the players. Taryn is a member of one of water polo’s most respected families with her father David and brother Gavin both dual Olympians.
• Bronwyn Smith (nee Mayer) (Team Manager): Bronwyn, who is cousins with Taryn Woods, played for the Syndey 2000 Olympic gold medal winning team and Athens 2004 Olympics. Bronwyn is a great asset to the players and staff with her insight and understanding of what it takes to win.
   

NSW Stars Take Centre Stage:

• Captain Zoe Arancini: With the experience of two previous Olympic campaigns, Zoe's leadership and unwavering spirit will inspire her teammates.
• Keesja Gofers: A three-time Olympian, Keesja's experience will be vital for the team, and her resilience and dedication are an inspiration to all.
• Bronte Halligan: Building on her Tokyo debut, Bronte's determination and passion for the game make her a force to be reckoned with.
• Danijela Jackovich, Tilly Kearns, Genevieve Longman, Sienna Hearn, and Sienna Green: These five NSW debutantes bring a fresh wave of energy, skill, and enthusiasm to the team, ready to make their mark on the Olympic stage.

The Road to Glory in Paris:

Preparations have already begun in earnest, including the Stingers test series against the USA and just last week the three match series against China, where they produced a dominant performance with a clean sweep, winning the series 3-0.

In Paris, the Stingers' Olympic journey begins in Group A, where they will face tough competition from the Netherlands, Canada, China, and Tokyo Olympic bronze medallists Hungary. The team's dedication and pursuit of excellence, combined with the individual brilliance of its NSW representatives, sets the stage for what we’re sure will be an unforgettable performance in Paris.

Mark Your Calendars:

The women's water polo competition is set to begin on 27th July through to the finals on the 10^th August. The preliminary rounds take place at the Paris Aquatic Centre in St Denis, before moving to the Paris La Défense Arena in the city’s west, where the finals are to be held.

We are sure you’ll all be joining us in cheering on all our homegrown heroes as they dive into this incredible Olympic journey.