1896, Athens: Water Polo, initially in the Program

We all know that Water Polo did its Olympic debut in Paris, 1900 Olympic Games. We present here the “Bulletin of International Olympic Committee” of April 1895, featuring the Sports and the Program of the 1st Modern Olympic Games in Athens 1896. It is interesting to note that Water Polo was initially in the list of Sports to be held in Athens.
Finally, for various reasons, several Sports had to be canceled: Rowing for weather circumstances, Yachting for lack of proper boats and Water Polo, Football, Epee Fencing or Cricket for lack of participation.
Source: http://doc.rero.ch/

1897: The team of Cambridge University

The Water Polo and Swimming team of Cambridge University that competed against Oxford University in 1897.
Source: magazine “The Sketch”, 1987

1897: The team of Oxford University

The Water Polo and Swimming team of Oxford University that competed against Cambridge University in 1897.
Source: magazine “The Sketch”, 1987

1891: Water Polo in Manhattan Athletic Club

Rough action during a Water Polo game in Manhattan Athletic Club, New York, in 1891. This is a close up of a wooden engraving by T.De Thulstrup, published in the magazine "Harper's Weekly", New York, February 28, 1891.
Source: private collection

1976, Montreal: The golden team of Hungary

The golden team of Hungary at the medal ceremony of Montreal 1976 Olympic Games. The team: Edre Molnar, Dr. Istvan Szivos, Tamas Farrago, Dr. Laszlo Sarosi, Gyorgy Horkai, Gabor Csapo, Attila Sudar, Gyorgy Kenez, Gyorgy Gerendas, Dr. Ferenc Konrad and Tibor Cservenyak.
Source: official report Montreal 1976 Olympic Games

1976, Montreal: Hungary vs Yugoslavia 5-3

Action during the game of Hungary against Yugoslavia in Montreal 1976 Olympic Games. Tamas Farrago (3) helps the legendary Hungarian goalie Endre Molnar, to stop a Yugoslav attack in a game which ended 5-5. Hungary was the winner of gold medal in Montreal Olympics.
Source: official report Montreal 1976 Olympic Games

1976, Montreal: Holland vs Yugoslavia 5-3

Action during the game of Holland against Yugoslavia in Montreal 1976 Olympic Games. Hans van Zeeland of Holland takes a high percentage shot against Yugoslavia in a game won 5-3 by the Dutch.
The team of Holland: Kroon, Landeweerd, Veer, Van Zeeland, Buunk, De Zwarte, Smits, Toonen, Hoepelman, Boegschoten. Holland coached by the legendary Ivo Trumbic (gold medalist in Mexico 1968 with Yugoslavia) finished at the 3rd place of the Olympic tournament.
Source: official report Montreal 1976 Olympic Games

1976, Montreal: Yugoslavia vs Cuba 4-4

Action during the game of Yugoslavia against Cuba in Montreal 1976 Olympic Games. Ozren Bonacic of Yugoslavia attempts a free throw in a tie 4-4 with Cuba. The team of Yugoslavia: Markovic, Bonacic, Marovic, Manojilovic, Savinovic, Polic, Belamaric, Antunovic, Dabovic, Lozica, Kacic. The team of Cuba: Periche, Garcia, Pena, Costa, Rodriguez D., Dominguez N., Rizo, Almeneiro, Perez, Rodriguez G., Dominguez O. Yugoslavia was ranked at the 5th place and Cuba at the 7th.
Source: official report Montreal 1976 Olympic Games

1972: The team of Mornar, Split

The 1972 team of Mornar, Split. Standing L-R: Krekovic (coach), Savic, Jakasa, Vrdoljak, Dumanic, Druzeic, Kovacevic, Kacic. Seating L-R: Matutinovic, Mrsic, Obradovic, Maglic, Prelevic, Bavcevic.
Source: courtesy of Mr.Zoran Kacic

1978: The team of Mornar, Slpit

The team of Mornar, Split during a tournament held in Pescara, Italy in 1978. Standing L-R: Penovic (coach), Kukoc, Padovan, Matosic, Filipovic, Druzeic, Segvic, Drezga (ass. Coach). Seating L-R: Despot, Zovko, Kacic, Matutinovic, Laura .
Source: courtesy of Mr. Zoran Kacic

1975, Cali: The team of Yugoslavia

The team of Yugoslavia in Cali 1975 World Championships.
Back row L-R: Ozren Bonacic, Dejan Dabovic, Djuro Savinovic, Uros Marovic, Ratko Rudic, Dusan Antunovic.
Front row: Milos Markovic, Damir Polic, Predrag Manojlovic, Sinisa Belamaric, Zoran Kacic, Bosko Lozica.
Source: courtesy of Mr. Zoran Kacic

1975, Cali: Zoran Kacic in action

Zoran Kacic, the charismatic goalkeeper of Yugoslavia, in action against team of West Germany (8-3 for Yugoslavia) in Cali, 1975 World Championships. We note several players of Yugoslavia (with blue caps): Savinovic, Bonacic and in the corner Lozica and Manojlovic.
Source: private collection

1973: The silver team of Mornar, Split

The team of Mornar Split following the final game for the Yugoslavian Cup against Partizan, Belgrade in 1973. The cup winner was Partizan winning this game with 4-3. The team of Mornar: Jakasa, Kovacevic, Savic, Reic, Druzeic, Skovrlj, Catlak, coach Cvitan, Matutinovic, Fradelic, Prelevic and Kacic.
Source: courtesy of Mr. Zoran Kacic

1969: The Junior Champions of Mornar, Split

The Juniors team of Mornar Split, Champions of Yugoslavia from 1969 to 1971.
Standing: Bucan (coach), Kukoc, Druzeic, Ancic, Maglic, Bavcevic, Kacic. Seating: Savic, Prelevic, Mrsic, Obradovic, Matutinovic, Franicevic.
Source: courtesy of Mr. Zoran Kacic

1914: Water Polo Soccer by L.De B.Handley

Photo extacted from the article about Water Polo and its techniques written by the legendary L.De B.Handley. The title: "Water Soccer, The coming Game", published within the magazine Outing in 1914.
The label of the picture: Soccer in open water – Game under way, showing how players pair off.
Source: Outing, by L.De B. Handley, 1914

1914: Water Polo Soccer by L.De B.Handley

Photo extracted from the article about Water Polo and its techniques written by the legendary L.De B.Handley.
The label of the photo: Awaiting the referee’s signal.
Source: Outing, by L.De B. Handley, 1914

1914: Water Polo Soccer by L.De B.Handley

Article about Water Polo and its techniques written by the legendary L. De B.Handley.
The label of the pictures:
Top L-R: How to pass the ball while swimming -Shooting a goal from a thread water position - A fast short arm pass.
Bottom L-R: Player “dribbling” the ball-Flipping the ball back-Making ready to pass.
Source: Outing, by L.De B. Handley, 1914

1904, Saint Louis: Action during the competition

Tough actions during the Water Polo competition in Saint Louis, 1904 Olympic Games.
Source: Olympic Report Spalding Almanac St. Louis 1904

1904, Saint Louis: Playing in the polluted Lifesaving Lake

Action during the Water Polo competition in Saint Louis 1904, Olympic Games held at "Life Saving Exhibition Lake”. The United States swept the medals in Water Polo, but the scene was marred by argument and controversy, and, ultimately, fatal repercussions:
1. A strong German team entered the competition, but they withdrew in a huff when they discovered that the contests would be conducted with a partially deflated ball, which at that time resembled a volley-ball, and that goals could only be scored if a player in possession of the ball held it stationary in the opposing goal. The Germans sneered at what they referred to as "softball water polo".
2. Further clouding the round-robin competition was the Missouri Athletic Club's hostile refusal to play the Chicago Athletic Club for the silver medal. A team representing the New York Athletic Club won the gold medal handily, shutting out both the Missouri and Chicago teams.
3. Earlier in this essay, a reference was made to the condition of the water at the aquatic venue. The Water Polo players, who were subjected to longer immersions in the polluted and turgid water than either swimmers or divers, were especially affected by the contamination. Indeed, within a year, four American players would die of typhoid fever, probably contracted from the e.coli bacteria in the, ironically labelled, "Life Saving Exhibition Lake". In retrospect, the Germans may have dodged a bullet by virtue of their refusal to compete.
Source: Beyond Clotworthy and Aquatics St. Louis 1904; Journal of Olympic History, 2004 October Vol. 12 No. 3 p. 14-23. by Robert K. Barney & David E. Barney.

1902: The Champions of New York Athletic Club

The team of New York Athletic Club winners ofthe US Championship from 1902 to 1907.
Source: Swimming; The ideal exercise: Outing, by L. De. B. Handley. 1914.

1902: Water Polo game in Larchmont, New York

Scene of a Water Polo match held in Larchmont, New York in 1902.
Source: Outing, “When man turns to the waters” by Leon Vandervort, 1902 July

1899: The team of Duquesne CAC, Pittsburgh

The team of Duquesne Country and Athletic Club of Pittsburgh that took part in the 1899 US Championship. From L-R: John H.Dailey, J.T.Taylor, Guy M.Dailey, C.Gipner. (Missing from the picture: C.N. Darby and C.Shreipner).
Source: Outing, by Vigilant. 1899 May

1899: The Champions of Knickerbocker A.C.

The team of Knickerbocker A.C of New York winners of the 1899 US Championship. There were four other teams that took part in this Championship: The New York Athletic Club, the Duquesne Athletic and Country Club of Pittsburgh, the Brookline Swimming Club of Boston and the University of Pennsylvania. Knickerbocker A.C won the final game against New York Athletic Club with 3-1. The team: L.De B.Handley (1), G.Neuss (2), A.G.Savore (3), Harry A.King (4), A.Meffert (5), H.Cornish (6), G.W.Van Cleaf (7), H.H.Reeder (8), Dan Reuss (9).
Source: Outing, by Vigilant. 1899 May

1967: The Champions of Sirens W.P.C.

The team of Sirens W.P.C. winner of 1967 Championship in Malta.

Source: History of Water Polo in Malta 1910-1988 by Arhur J. Leaver (courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat)

1963: The team of Marsascala ASC, Malta

The team of Marsascala ASC of Malta, Champion of B’division in 1963.
Source: History of Water Polo in Malta 1910-1988 by Arhur J. Leaver (courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat)

1963: The Champions of Balluta W.P.C.

The team of Balluta Water Polo Club Champion of the 1963 Championship in Malta.
Source: History of Water Polo in Malta 1910-1988 by Arhur J. Leaver (courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat)

1959: The winners of Sirens W.P.C.

The team of Sirens W.P.C. winner of the 1959, 1960 and 1961 Championship in Malta. The team: Micallef Eynaud, Triganza, Frendo, Pace, Dowing, Galea, Degiorgio.
Source: History of Water Polo in Malta 1910-1988 by Arhur J. Leaver (courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat)

1957: The team of Marsaxlokk, Malta

The team of Marsaxlokk, winner of the B’division Championship of Malta in 1957. Standing L-R: K.Camilleri, J.M.Carabott, J.Vella, J.Grech. Seating L-R: F.X.Vella, M.Bugela and C.Carabott.
Source: History of Water Polo in Malta 1910-1988 by Arhur J. Leaver (courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat)

1957: The Champions of Sliema A.S.C.

The team of Sliema A.S.C, Champion of Malta in 1957.
Source: History of Water Polo in Malta 1910-1988 by Arhur J. Leaver (courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat)

1952: The team of Sirens W.P.C, Malta

The team of Sirens Water Polo Club of Malta in 1952.
Source: History of Water Polo in Malta 1910-1988 by Arhur J. Leaver (courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat)

1964: The National team of Malta

The 1964 team of Malta that took part in the “IV Coppa Trinarcia” in Catania, Italy. Standing L-R: A.Galea, B.Portelli, I.Pace, Mr. Bertie Muscat, Mr. G.Sclivagnotis, Maj.Clews, Mr.A. Aquilina (officials), G.Lweis, G.Borg, J.Micallef Eynaud. Squatting L-R: J.Borg, a.Grixti, J.Zammit, C.Cauchi, J.Muscat, J.Wismayer.
Source: History of Water Polo in Malta 1910-1988 by Arhur J. Leaver (courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat)

1936, Berlin: The team of Malta

The National team of Malta that took part in Berlin 1936 Olympic Games. Back row L-R: C.Parlato, J.Albanese, A.Lanzon, S.Scott, J.Chetcuti, A.Podesta, F.Wismayer. Seating L-R: W.Podesta, J.Demicoli. Absent: Pippo Schembri, Frendo Azzopardi.
Source: History of Water Polo in Malta 1910-1988 by Arhur J. Leaver (courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat)

1934: Neptune vs Sirens Tritons in Malta

First International games in Malta between the teams of Neptune (Malta) and Sirens Triton (Tunis) in 1932. The team of Neptune L-R: Lanzon, Podesta W., Albanese, Chetcuti, Wismayer, Podesta B., Demarco.
Source: History of Water Polo in Malta 1910-1988 by Arhur J. Leaver (courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat)

1934: Sliema vs Sirens Tritons in Malta

First International games in Malta between the teams of Sliema (Malta) and Sirens Triton (Tunis) in 1932. The game was held at the Central Aquatic Sports Club in St. Julian.
The team of Sliema L-R: Frendo Azzopardi, Bonnici, Sydney Scott, Debono, Pace, Magri.
Source: History of Water Polo in Malta 1910-1988 by Arhur J. Leaver (courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat)

1928: Three humoristic tobacco cards

Three Water-Polo humoristic tobacco Cards issued by Major Drapkin in 1928: The Pass, Jack O' Both Sides & A Goal.
These cards belong to series called Sporting Snap of 40 cards of different caricatures. Major Drapkin & Co is branch of United Kingdom Tobacco Co.

Source: personal collection

1952: Water polo match in Malta

Action during a game of the 1952 Championship in Malta. The ream of Balluta was the winner of this edition.
Source: History of Water Polo in Malta 1910-1988 by Arthur J. Leaver (courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat)

1949: The Champions of Neptunes W.P.C.

The team of Neptunes Water Polo Club, Champion of Malta in 1949.
Source: History of Water Polo in Malta 1910-1988 by Arthur J. Leaver (courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat)

1948: The team of Sirens WPC, Malta

The team of Sirens Water Polo Club of Malta in 1948.
Source: History of Water Polo in Malta 1910-1988 by Arhur J. Leaver (courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat)

1955: The golden National team of Argentina

The National team of Argentina gold winner in Mexico, 1955 Pan American Games composed by: Sandiago Gentile, Rafael bartolome, Osvaldo Codaro, Oscar J.Marino, Enrique Cevasco, Luis A.Diez, Mario Sebastian, Luis Normandin, Juan J.Cal, Norberto Marino.
Source: magazine “El Grafico” February 1955

1955: Manuel Segura in action

Manuel Segura, the best International referee of Argentina and South America during the 50’s.
To note the flag ....used at the time by the Argentinean referee.
Source: magazine “El Grafico” February 1955

1953: The vice-Champions of Santa Fe

The team of Regatas de Santa Fe, vice-Champions of the 1953 Championship in Argentina. The players: Destefano, Gimenez, Mario Sebastian, Horacio Sebastian, Lopez, Carlos Vinsentin and Teresit.
Source: magazine “El Grafico” March 1953

1953: Osvaldo Codaro

The legendary Osvaldo Codaro, leader of Comunicaciones, to winning the 1953 Championship in Argentina.
Source: magazine “El Grafico” March 1953

1953: Osvaldo Codaro in action

Osvaldo Codaro, as player of “Comuncaciones”, ready to score against the team of “Gimnasia y Esgrima” during the finals of the 1953 Championship in Argentina
Source: magazine “El Grafico” March 1953

1953: The Champions of “Comunicaciones”

The team of “Comunicaciones”, Champion of Argentina in 1953. From L-R: Cevasco (3), Cal (1), Normandin (4), O.Marino (6), Osvaldo Codaro (5), N.Martin (7)
Source: magazine “El Grafico” March 1953

1953: Final of Championship in Argentina

Action during the final of 1953 Championship in Argentina between the teams of Comunicaciones and Regatas de Santa Fe (7-5). Luis Normandin (white cap) of Comunicaciones, fights for ball procession with Horacio Sebastian of Regatas de Santa Fe. The final ranking: 1. Comunicaciones, 2. Regatas Santa Fe, 3. Gimnasia y Esgrima, 4. Universitario and 5, River Plate
Source: magazine “El Grafico” March 1953

1950: The legendary Osvaldo Codaro

We post again this beautiful picture of Osvaldo Codaro, the legendary player of “Independiente” and member of Argentina at the 1948, 1952 and 1960 Olympics.
Source: magazine “El Grafico” September 1950

1950: The Champions of “Independiente”

The team of “Independiente”, Champion of Argentina in 1950. The players: Julio Irigoyen, Jose Senjurjo, Enrique Cevasco, Luis Gonzalez, Eduardo Viva, Enzo Portaferraio, Osvaldo Codaro and the coach Santiago Gentile.
Source: magazine “El Grafico” April 1950

1950: The team of “Club Regatas de Santa Fe”

The team of “Club Regatas de Santa Fe”, Argentina in 1950. The players: Carlos Visentin, Carlos Pasegui, Mario Sebastian, Horacio Sebastian, Wilfredo Peressutti, Edmundo Navarro, Enrique Gomez.
Source: magazine “El Grafico” April 1950

1950: The team of Jockey Club, Cordoba

The team of “Suquia”, Cordoba, Argentina in 1950. The players: Carlos and Juan Espejo Perez, Harold Barrios, Emilio Lopez Alonso, Hipolito Salinas, Hugo Fongi, Felipe Giordano, Ramon Carballo, Alberto Iglesias.
Source: magazine “El Grafico” April 1950

1950: The team of Jockey Club, Cordoba

The team of “Jockey Club”, Cordoba, Argentina in 1950. The players: Dionisio Moyanno, Mario Damond, Carlos Diaz, Luis Diaz, Angel Liguori, Hector A.Camara, Carlos Gigena, Eduardo Mattenet.
Source: magazine “El Grafico” April 1950