1922: The winners of E.N.Tourcoing

The team of “Enfants de Neptune de Tourcoing” Champion of France in 1922. First from left is the legendary Henri Padou.
Source: Methode de Natation – Water Polo by Paul Beulque “Imprimerie Georges Frere, Tourcoing, 1923”

1951: Medal in memory of Paul Beulque

Comemorative medal issued in memory of Paul Beulque, on the occasion of the “Journees Paul Beulque, 1951".
Source: private collection

1923: Details of a Water Polo cage

Drawing with details of a Water Polo cage, presented within the book of Paul Beulque, about Water Polo in 1923.
Source: Methode de Natation – Water Polo by Paul Beulque “Imprimerie Georges Frere, Tourcoing, 1923”

1923: Water Polo book by Paul Beulque

Water Polo book written in 1923 by the legendary Paul Beulque, who established the glorious team “Enfants de Neptune de Tourcoing” and introduced the traditional method of teaching swimming bearing his name.
Source: Methode de Natation – Water Polo by Paul Beulque “Imprimerie Georges Frere, Tourcoing, 1923”

1970: The team of SC Rote Erde Hamm

The team of “SC Rote Erde Hamm”, Germany in 1970. Hamm is a city in North Rhine Westphalia, Germany located on the Lippe river.
Source: www.issv.de/

1959: The team of Iserlohn Schleddenhofer

The team of “Iserlohn Schleddenhofer Schwimmvereins” (ISSV), in 1959. Iserlohn is a city in North Rhine Westphalia, Germany.
Source: www.issv.de/

1933: Humoristic drawing

Humoristic drawing with a Water Polo theme issued on the occasion of Torino, 1933 International University Games.
Source: private collection

1932: Medal of “Club Gimnasia y Esgrima”

Silver medal issued by the “Club Gimnasia y Esgrima” of Rosario, on the occasion of the 1932 Inter Club Youth Championship of Argentina.
Source: private collection

1967: The team of VK Jagodina

The team of VK Jagodina, Serbia in 1967. Jagodina is a town located in the central Serbia, south of Belgrade on the banks of river Belica.
Source: http://www.jagodina.autentik.net/

1950’s: The team of VK Jagodina

Another picture of the 1950’s team of VK Jagodina, Serbia.
Source: http://www.jagodina.autentik.net/

1950's: The team of VK Jagodina

The team of VK Jagodina, Serbia in 1950’s. Jagodina is a town located in the central Serbia, south of Belgrade on the banks of river Belica.
Source: http://www.jagodina.autentik.net/

1934: The team of Dance Dubrovnik

The team of Dance Dubrovnik, precedent of JUG Dubrovnik, in 1934.
Source: http://dance-dubrovnik.com/

1936: The team of Dance Dubrovnik

The team of Dance Dubrovnik, precedent of JUG Dubrovnik, in 1936.
Source: http://dance-dubrovnik.com/

1948, London: The US team training at Uxbridge

Members of the American Water Polo team training at Uxbridge, Middlesex prior to London 1948 Olympic Games.
Photo: Popperfoto/Getty Images - http://www.gettyimages.com/ this image is intended for Editorial use. Any commercial or promotional use requires additional clearance.

1948, London: The arrival of US team at London

The US National team arriving at London airport for the London 1948 Olympic Games.
Photo: Popperfoto/Getty Images - http://www.gettyimages.com/ this image is intended for Editorial use. Any commercial or promotional use requires additional clearance.

1948, London: The team of Switzerland

The National team of Switzerland that took part in London 1948 Olympic Games. Top to bottom, L-R: E.Klumpp, H.Keller, H. Burri, R. Hans Vaterlaus, A. Grosjean, W. Marty, G.J.L. Hauser and E Hauser.
Photo: Topical Press Agency/Getty Images

1933: The Champions of Western Counties

The Champions team of 'Western Counties Private Baths' of England in 1933.
Source: http://www.colinmcc.com/

1981: Ante Lambasa awarding Mateo Manguillot

FINA’s President Ante Lambasa presenting the “honour of FINA” to the distinguished Spanish Referee Mateo Manguillot during the European Cup finals held in Barcelona 1981.
Source: Historia del Water Polo Espanol; Juan Antonio Sierra

1968, Mexico: Official Water Polo bulletin

Cover of the official bulletin of Mexico 1968 Olympic Water Polo competition held from 14 to 26 October.
Source: private collection

1968, Mexico: East Germany vs Mexico 12-4

Action during the match of East Germany (DDR) against Mexico 12-4, in Mexico, 1968 Olympic Games. The DDR team: Georg Fenn, Klaus Schlenkrich, Siegfried Baller, Peter Rund, Hans Jurgen Schuller, Jurgen Kluge, Veit Hermans, Manfred Herzog, Hans Urlich Lange, Peter Schmidt. The team of Mexico: Oscar Familiar, Rolando Chavez, Francisco Garcia, German Chavez, Carlos Morfin, Luis Gusman, Virgilio Botella, Juan Garcia, Jose vasquez, Sergio Ramos, Daniel Gomez.
Source: private collection

1987: The King and the golden Juniors of Spain

The King of Spain Juan Carlos receives the Juniors National team of Spain winner of the 1987 World Championships in Sao Paolo, Brazil. From L-R: Ramon Mateu, Juan Valls, Jesus Rollan, Jose Antonio Rodriguez, Miguel Perez, Pedro Garcia, Salvador Gomez, Juan Antonio Lopez, Aureliano Diaz, Sergio Gomez, Antonio Pena, Javier Barcelo.
Source: Historia del Water Polo Espanol; Juan Antonio Sierra

1982: The National team of Spain

The National team of Spain that took part at the 1982 World Championships held in Guayaquil of Ecuador. Standing L-R: Pere Robert, Manuel Delgado, Antonio Esteller, Manuel Delgado, Antonio Esteller, Jordi Carmona, Juan Jane, Jose Luis Morillo, Felix Fernandez, Salvador Franch. Kneeling L-R: Rafael Aguilar, Antonio Sans, Manuel Estiarte, Alberto Canal, Antonio Aguilar.
Source: Historia del Water Polo Espanol; Juan Antonio Sierra

1970: The Champions of O.S.C. Budapest

The team of Orvosegyetem Sports Club, Budapest Champions of Hungary in 1970. Standing L-R: Oláh Endre, Konrád I. Sándor, Csikós Ferenc, Sr. Szívós István, Mayer Mihály coach, Szecsei György team master, Szathmáry Gábor, Elek Miklós. Squatting L-R: Bodnár II. János, Bodnár I. András, Jr. Szívós István, Konrád III. Ferenc, Kovács Károly, Gál Jenő. Source: courtesy Gál Jenő

1972: The team of CUS Roma

The 1972 team of CUS Roma. Standing L-R: Camillo De Giovanni (coach.), Dominici (President), Galli, Moroli, Placidi, Tonali, Maresca A., Placidi (official), Maresca L; Kneeling L-R: Cusano, De Giovanni G., Deuringer, Armelisasso, Ciuffa E., Ciuffa V.
Source: http://www.waterpolonline.com/

1976: The bronze Juniors of Spain

The Juniors National team of Spain winner of bronze medal at the 5th European Junior Championships held in Valletta of Malta from 7 to 14 August 1976. The Spanish team coached by the legendary Catalan coach Pepe Brasco; Standing L-R: Pere Robert, Antoni Pegado, Antonio Ventura, Pepe Alcazar, Pedro Ventura, Pedro Estefanell, Alberto Girbal. Kneeling L-R: Jordi Carmona, Jaime Fite, Antonio Torres, Angel Diestre, Juan Marimon, Antonio Ayza and Francisco Javier Gasch.
Source: Historia del Water Polo Espanol; Juan Antonio Sierra

2000 Posts, 350 days, 26.113 visitors

On May 11th 2007, “Water Polo Legends” have started to look back with aim to reveal the History of our Sport. Today, “350 days” later, on the occasion of “2.000 posts” we would like to thank all “26.113 first time visitors”, for their great interest to share with us the passion for Water Polo and their willingness to promote the culture for this amazing Sport.

1976: The golden Juniors of Italy

The Juniors National team of Italy winner of the 5th European Junior Championships held in Valletta of Malta from 7 to 14 August 1976. The Italian team coached by the legendary Gianni Lonzi: Roberto Gandolfi, Paolo De Medici, Claudio Rossi, Rocco Antonucci, Emanuele Passalacqua, Piero Mondani, Alfio Missagi, Antonello Steardo, Marco Jervassuti, Ferdinando Peschi and Marco Galli.
Source: Bulletin of 5th European Junior Water Polo Championship; courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat

1976: The silver Juniors of Hungary

The Juniors National team of Hungary, 2nd at the 5th European Junior Championships held in Valletta of Malta from 7 to 14 August 1976. The Hungarian team coached from Mihaly Mayer and Antal Bolvari: Csaba Kiss, Ferenc Szakonyi, Peter Hajmassy, Gyorgy Haltai, Laszlo Kuncz, Gyula Varga, Jezesf Somossy, Gyorgy Kenes, Attila Barna, Imre Budavari and Laszlo Szollar.
Source: Bulletin of 5th European Junior Water Polo Championship; courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat

1920’s: Match in Puerto Chico, Santander

Water Polo match in Puerto Chico of Santander, Spain in 1920’s. The port city of Santander is the capital of the autonomous community of Cantabria situated on the north coast of Spain between Asturias (to the west) and the Basque Country (to the east).
Source: personal collection (Postcard “Edicion Vilches”)

1976: The Juniors of USSR

The Juniors National team of USSR, 5th at the 5th European Junior Championships held in Valletta of Malta from 7 to 14 August 1976. The USSR team coached by Yuriy Somov: Andrey Pavlov, Aleksey Dudnik, Alexander Galkin, Dimitryi Krylov, Aleksandr Zelenchev, Aleksandr Tretiakov, Boris Udalov, David Rurua, Anatoliy Mastiaev, Nikolay Lojkin, Vladimir Zapitetsky, Michael Ioanov.
Source: Bulletin of 5th European Junior Water Polo Championship; courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat

1976: The Juniors of Yugoslavia

The Juniors National team of Yugoslavia, 4th at the 5th European Junior Championships held in Valletta of Malta from 7 to 14 August 1976. The Yugoslav team coached by the legendary Miro Cirkovic: Milorad Krivokapic, Ante Bratic, Bobo Trifunovic, Veselin Markovic, Petar Porobic, Ranko Popovic, Marinko Boic, Zoran Bratusa, Zoran Avramovic, Milenko Vukovic, Bozo Vuletic and Nebojsa Jericevic.
Source: Bulletin of 5th European Junior Water Polo Championship; courtesy of Mr. Bertie Muscat

1978, Berlin: The Greek National team

The National team of Greece that took part in Berlin, 1978 World Championships. Standing L-R: Andreas Garyfallos (Coach), Sotiris Stathakis, Stathis Sarandos, Andreas Gounas, Yiannis Giannouris, Spyros Capralos, Dimitris Konstas, Manolis Patlakas (ass. Coach). Kneeling L-R: Miltos Eleftheriadis, Marcellos Sitarenios, Andonis Aronis and Yiannis Garyfallos.
Source: private collection

1972, Munich: Marculescu and his Spanish friends

FINA’s actual Executive Director, Cornel Marculescu, saluting the Spanish officials Joaquin Morera, Fernandez Aguayo and Tomas Batalle in Munich 1972 Olympic Games.
Source: archives Mateo Manguillot family

1972, Munich: debut of Eugenio Asencio

Olympic debut of the legendary Catalan referee Eugenio Asencio in Munich 1972 Olympic Games.
Source: archives Mateo Manguillot family

1972, Munich: Great personalities

Great Water Polo personalities during Munich 1972 Olympic Games. From L-R: Doctor Merino (Spain), Joaquin Morera (Spain) , Ante Lambasa (Yugoslavia), Sergio Catalani (Italy), Mateo Manguillot (Spain) and Fernandez Aguayo (Spain).
Source: archives Mateo Manguillot family

1968, Mexico: Abe Fuchs and the Spanish officials

The legendary Belgian referee Abe Fuchs, referee of the final game between Yugoslavia and USSR in Mexico 1968 Olympics, posing with the distinguished Spanish officials Juan Luis Abellan and Mateo Manguillot.
Source: archives Mateo Manguillot family

1911: Match at the lake Paladru, France

Water Polo match held the 27th of August 1911 in Charavins les Bains, at the Lake Paladru in the in south-east of France.
Source: personal collection

1929: HMS Huntley vs HMS London

Fleet Water Polo final between HMS Huntley and HMS London held in the island of Malta August 27th, 1929. The HMS London’s squad won the game with 2-0.
Source: private collection

1930: A patience “Water Polo” game

Vintage patience game with a “Water Polo” theme, made in Germany during the 30’s.
Source: private collection

1983, Rome: The National team of Greece

The National team of Greece that took part in the European Championship held in Rome, Italy in 1983. Kneeling L-R: Nikos Armenakis, Marcellos Sitarenios, Kyriakos Giannopoulos, Andonis Aronis, Akis Giannopoulos, Thanasis Tomaidis (team escort), Yiannis Garyfallos, Fondas Moudatsios. Standing L-R: Dimitrios Zografos (President of Greek Swimming Federation), Dimitris Seletopoulos, Spyros Capralos, Yiannis Vossos, Sotiris Stathakis, official, Aris Kefalogiannis, Dimitris Diathesopoulos (referee), Manolis Patlakas (Coach), Andreas Gounas.
Source: courtesy of Kyriakos Giannopoulos

1982, Guayaquil: The National team of Greece

The National team of Greece that took part in the 4th World Championships held in Guayaquil of Ecuador in 1982. From L-R: Thomas Karalogos, Marcellos Sitarenios, Kyriakos Giannopoulos, Spyros Capralos, Vaggelis Koskinas, Nikos Armenakis, Yiannis Giannouris, Andonis Aronis, Andreas Gounas, Sotiris Stathakis, Aris Kefalogiannis, Fondas Moudatsios. (missing Yiannis Vossos).
Source: courtesy of Kyriakos Giannopoulos

1982: The Greeks marching in Guayaquil

Players of the Greek team marching at the opening ceremony of the 4th World Championships held in Guayaquil of Ecuador in 1982. From L-R: Yiannis Vossos, Sotiris Stathakis, Vaggelis Koskinas, Marcellos Sitarenios, Yiannis Giannouris, Andonis Aronis, Fondas Moudatsios.
Source: courtesy of Kyriakos Giannopoulos

1965: Water Polo medal

Water Polo medal issued on the occasion of an International game between Belgium and France in 1965.
Source: private collection

1910’s: The legendary Joe Ruddy

Colourful tobacco card of 1910’s presenting Joe Ruddy Sr., the legendary swimmer and Water Polo player of New York Athletic Club and winner of gold medal in St. Louis 1904 Olympic Games.
Source: personal collection

1963: Soviet Water Polo book

Another book about the technique and tactics of Water Polo edited in USSR in 1963.
Source: private collection

1956: Soviet Water Polo book

Book about the techniques and tactics of Water Polo by N.F Cmoldov, edited in Moscow in 1956.
Source: private collection

1980, Moscow: Gyarmati and Karpati

Two emblematic personalities of the Hungarian and World Water Polo. Dezso Gyarmati while coaching the bronze Hungarian team in Moscow 1980 Olympics, assisted by his great teammate of the past Gyorgy Karpati.
Source: personal collection

1980, Moscow: The golden USSR team

Snapshot of the score board presenting the USSR team, Gold winner of Moscow 1980 Olympic Games.
Source: personal collection

1980, Moscow: Celebrating the gold medal

The USSR team celebrating the gold medal in Moscow 1980 Olympic Games.
Boris Popov, the legendary Soviet coach, in the water of the Moscow Olympic pool.
Source: personal collection

1980, Moscow: Celebrating the gold medal

The USSR team celebrating the gold medal in Moscow 1980 Olympic Games.
The USSR team: Evgeni Sharonov, Sergei Kotenko, Vladimir Akimov, Evgeni Grishin, Mait Rissman, Aleksandr Kabanov, Aleksei Barkalov, Erkin Shagaev, Georgi Mishvenieradze, Mikhail Ivanov, Viacheslav Sobcchenko.
Source: personal collection