Paris 2024 Olympics water polo: Zoe Arancini to lead 13-member Aussie Stingers squad
Sienna Green, 19, is the youngest player chosen for the squad while Keesja Gofers is set to become the third Australian Stinger to compete in the Olympics as a mother.
A 13-member Australian women’s water polo team for the Paris 2024 Olympics was announced at the Dawn Fraser Baths in Sydney on Thursday.
The Aussie Stingers squad, announced by Australian Olympic Team’s Deputy Chef de Mission and hockey great Mark Knowles, will be led by 32-year-old Zoe Arancini, who will be making her third appearance at the Olympics along with Keesja Gofers.
The 34-year-old Gofers, now a mother of one-year-old daughter Teleri, will become the third Aussie Stinger to compete at the Olympics as a mother. Two-time Olympians Bronwyn Smith (nee Mayers) and Lea Yanitsas are the other two.
With Abby Andrews, Elle Armit, Bronte Halligan, Tilly Kearns and Gabi Palm all returning for their second Olympics, the Australian women’s water polo squad for the Paris Olympics boasts plenty of experience.
Meanwhile, Alice Williams, Sienna Hearn, Sienna Green, Genevieve Longman, Danijela Jackovich and Charlize Andrews will be making their Olympic debuts. Green, 19, is also set to become the youngest Aussie Stinger to compete at the Olympics.
“I’m really proud of the team that has been selected,” head coach Bec Rippon said after team selection. “I think you can expect the Stingers to have the attitude of going after everything, we are in Paris to be competitive and we’re there to chase a medal.”
The women’s water polo competition at the 2024 Summer Games will be a 10-team tournament. It will be held at the Paris Aquatic Centre and the Paris La Defense Arena from July 27 to August 10.
Women’s water polo made its Olympic debut at the Sydney 2000 Games where the Aussie Stingers claimed the gold medal. Australia also won bronze medals at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympics. They finished fifth at the Tokyo Olympics.
For the Paris 2024 Olympics, Australia have been drawn in Group A with Tokyo Olympic bronze medallists Hungary, the Netherlands, Canada and the People’s Republic of China.
Australian women’s water polo team for Paris 2024 Olympics
Zoe Arancini (captain), Keesja Gofers, Abby Andrews, Elle Armit, Bronte Halligan, Tilly Kearns, Gabi Palm, Alice Williams, Sienna Hearn, Sienna Green, Genevieve Longman, Danijela Jackovich, Charlize Andrews