Stingers' plan to back up their Olympic silver medal

Perth Now

3 days ago

The Australian women's water polo team are looking to continue their impressive Olympic form and land their first world championship medal in six years in Singapore next month.
The Stingers claimed silver at the 2024 Paris Games, falling 11-9 to Spain in the final, and hope to springboard from that to a medal at the world aquatic championships, also featuring swimming and diving, which run from July 11-24.
The Australian women haven't won a world championship medal since 2019 in South Korea, when they downed Hungary to win bronze.
They just missed out in Fukuoka, Japan in 2023, losing the bronze medal play-off against Italy, while they placed sixth in 2024.
Water Polo Australia on Monday named a world championship squad that features 10 players who were part of the Paris campaign, expecting the team to capitalise on that Olympic experience.
Almost one year on, coach Bec Rippon said it was great to have the majority of the team back together, although veteran skipper Zoe Arancini was a notable omission.
"It is nice having some of the Paris group back and to now see how they connect with the newer players that have been working hard in Australia and overseas," Rippon said.
"They bring with them some great experience and energy, as we approach the new Olympic cycle," she said.
Currently in camp on the Gold Coast for three weeks, the Stingers next head to Perth, where they will host the USA, who are reigning world champions, and Italy for a training camp and official Test matches.
"It's going to be a great opportunity to trial some new things that we've been working on, and to try things without being under the same pressure of being at a world championships," Rippon said.
"We will play the Italians at the world championships, so it will be a really good chance to check in and measure up against each other before Singapore."
Stingers: Abby Andrews (QLD), Charlize Andrews (QLD), Hayley Ballesty (NSW), Tenealle Fasala (QLD), Sienna Green (NSW), Bronte Halligan (NSW), Sienna Hearn (NSW), Danijela Jackovich (NSW), Tilly Kearns (NSW), Alexie Lambert (NSW),Genevieve Longman (NSW), Olivia Mitchell (NSW), Gabi Palm (QLD), Pippa Pedley (WA), Alice Williams (QLD). Reserves: Claire Durston (NSW), Jessica Emerson (QLD), Nioka Thomas (NSW).