1951 : “De Bruinvis” Water Polo medal

Water Polo medal issued by the Dutch club Sasse Zwem- en Poloclub "De Bruinvis" in 1951. The club is located in Sas van Gent in the province of Zeeland, Netherlands.
Source: private collection

1954: The Champions of “De Dolfijn”, Amsterdam

The team of Amsterdam "De Dolfijn" winner of the 1954 Dutch National Championship. Seating L-R: Bubi Siegenthaler, Jan Thomsen, Ru Holtes. Standing L-R: Nico Knapen, Joop Adams, Herman Rademaher, Ab Fienee.

Source: http://www.dedolfijn.com/

1956: The secrets of Bela Rajki and company

Unique video clip presenting the legendary Hungarian coach Bela Rajki while training his players prior to Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games.
Source: “Freedom's Fury”; documentary on the 1956 Olympic semi-final Water Polo match between Hungary and USSR

1898 : Water Polo in Exmouth Quay, Devon

Action during a Water Polo match in the sea of Exmouth Quay of Devon, England in 1898.
Source: http://eqra.co.uk/

1931: The team of Exmouth-Devon, England

The Water Polo team of Exmouth Swimming Club, Devon in 1931. Exmouth is a port town and seaside resort in Devon, England, at the east side of the mouth of the river Exe.
Source: www.devon24.co.uk/

80 years of Hungarian Water-violins......

They say that Hungarians usually play the violin while the others are dancing.

Well, this suit well enough with their great tradition and supremacy in Water Polo. Winners of the gold medal in Beijing 2008 Olympics they became the first country to win three straight gold medals since Great Britain in 1920. Eighty years ago, in Amsterdam 1928 Olympics, Hungary wins its first (silver) Olympic medal and in Los Angeles 1932 its first gold. Since their first medal in 1928, the Magyars took part in 18 out of 19 Olympics managing to stand on the podium 15 times (9 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze). They didn’t compete in Los Angeles 1984 Olympics and they missed the podium in Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

1983: Gianni Lonzi’s training camp in Malta

Water Polo training camp held in Malta, from 19 to 29 June 1983. In the picture the well know, at the time, Italian coach Gianni Lonzi, while training a group of Maltese players. Along with him, in Malta, (but not appearing in the photo), was also Niko Firoiu, the legendary coach of German National team.
Source: http://www.la84foundation.org/

1950’s: Match at Pontypridd Baths, Wales

Water Polo match at Pontypridd Swimming Baths, Ynysangharad Park in the 1950’s.
Pontypridd is a town in Glamorgan, Wales, in the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taff, situated 19 km north of the Welsh capital city of Cardiff.
By Permission of Rhondda Cynon Taf Libraries
Source: http://archive.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk/

1964: The team of Aberdare S.C, Wales

The team of Aberdare Swimming Club at the Rock Baths, 1964. Front row L-R: Hywel Morris, Brian Loveridge, Cyril Edevane, Colin Sexton. Back row L-R: John Jones, ?, Ron Arthur, Les Venn, Bev Morris, Phillip Verrier, Jim McCarthy (Pool Manager).
Aberdare is an industrial town in the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taff, Wales, situated at the confluence of the River Dar and Cynon rivers, 39 km north west of Cardiff.
By Permission of Rhondda Cynon Taf Libraries.
Source: http://archive.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk/

1968: The team of “Utrechtse Zwem Club”

The team of “Utrechtse Zwem – Club”, Utrecht-Nederlands in 1968.
Source: www.erfgoed-utrecht.nl/

1938: Match by the river Kromme Rijn, Utrecht

Water Polo game in the open pool of N.V. Utrechtsche Open Zwem situated by the river Kromme Rijn, Utrecht, Netherlands in 1938.
Source: www.erfgoed-utrecht.nl/

1928: Match in the pool of O.Z.E.B.I, Utrecht.

Water Polo game in the indoor pool “O.Z.E.B.I”, venue of “Utrechtse Zwem Club”, Netherlands, in 1928.
Source: www.erfgoed-utrecht.nl/

1925: Match by the river Kromme Rijn, Utrecht

Water Polo game in the open pool of N.V. Utrechtsche Open Zwem situated by the river Kromme Rijn, Utrecht, Netherlands in 1925.
Source: www.erfgoed-utrecht.nl/

1921: Match by the river Kromme Rijn, Utrecht

Water Polo game in the open pool of N.V. Utrechtsche Open Zwem situated by the river Kromme Rijn, Utrecht, Netherlands in 1921.
Source: www.erfgoed-utrecht.nl/

1979, Mexico: The team of Japan

The team of Japan that took part in Mexico 1979, University Games.
Source: International Water Polo magazine 1979

1979 : The Japanese goalie, Makihashi

The goalkeeper of Japan, Kunihiro Makihashi in action during Mexico 1979 University Games.
Source: International Water Polo magazine 1979

1956, Melbourne: Honouring the winners

A beautiful Hungarian sculpture presented in Budapest, to honour the Magyar Water Polo players, winners of Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games.
Source: http://sportgeza.hu/

1979, Belgrade: Hungary in the top of the podium

The team of Hungary winner of the 1st FINA cup in the top of the podium. The standing: 1. Hungary, 2. USA, 3. Yugoslavia, 4. USSR, 5. F.R. Germany, 6. Italy, 7.Romania, 8. Bulgaria.
Source: International Water Polo magazine 1979

1979, Belgrade: The winners of Hungary

The team of Hungary winner of the 1st FINA cup held in Belgrade and Rijeka, in 1979. Back row L-R: Hauszier, Kuncz, Wiesner, Sudar, Sommossy, Dr.Csapo. Front row L-R: Dr.Szivos, Molnar, Budavari, Horkai, Gerendas.
Source: International Water Polo magazine 1979

1940: Action during UCLA – USC Trojans

Action during the game of University of California, Los Angeles "Bruins" and the University of Southern California “Trojans” in 1940. Picture’s label says: “A capacity audience witnessed this close game in the local pool. White capped Trojan is seen passing the ball toward a Bruin goal”.
Source: Photo courtesy of UCLA Water Polo". This picture is for viewing pur”poses only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted 1934: action during a game of UCLA

1940: The Water Polo team of UCLA

The team University of California, Los Angeles in 1940. Front row L-R: Al Greenwald, Bill Reorden, Stan Talpis, Fred Nison, Paul Francis, Scott Merrick. Second row: Fenwicke, Holmes, Bill Kuchne, Henry Eddy, Bob Kern, Johnny Siegel. Back row: Don Park (coach), Paul Sims, Bob Johnson, Devere Christensen (captain), Jim Hokom, Bill Mitchell, Harvey Gallinger.

Source: Photo courtesy of UCLA Water Polo". This picture is for viewing purposes only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted.

1939: The Water Polo team of UCLA

The team University of California, Los Angeles in 1939. First row L-R: Don Park (coach), John Mitchell, Bill Reordon, Paul Crawley (captain), John Siegal, Doug Lowhead, Frank Schiavani (Manager). Standing L-R: Don Shaw, Gordon French, Bill Kuehne, Bob Orr, Devere Christensen, Verne Kelsey.
Source: Photo courtesy of UCLA Water Polo". This picture is for viewing purposes only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted.

1965: The Shah of Iran saluting the Turks

The Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi saluting the players of the Turkish National Water Polo team prior to a friendly game between the National Teams of Iran and Turkey held in 1965.
Source: www.sutopu.gov.tr/

1964: The National team of Turkey

The National team of Turkey that played against Israel in 1964.
Source: www.sutopu.gov.tr/

1946: The National team of Turkey

The National team of Turkey at the first post War International game held in Athens against the Greek team in 1946. The team: Ömer, Lazo Ornitopulos, Aydın Ülker, İbrahim Sulu, Osman Beller, Kerim Bükey, Recai Çevik, Haşim Tankut, Özcan Tomruk, Yaşar Dalbaşar, Fuat Source: www.sutopu.gov.tr/

1972: Turkish Water Polo medal

Turkish medal issued in 1972 by the well know club of Istanbul, Yuzme Ihtisas.
Source: private collection

1980, Moscow: The golden USSR team

The team of Soviet Union, winner of 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: private collection

1960, Rome: First day of issue

First day of issue presenting the Italian team winner of Rome 1960 Olympic Games. The Italian team: Amedo Ambron, Danio Bardi, Giuseppe D'Altrui, Salvatore Gionta, Franco Lavoratori, Gianni Lonzi, Luigi Mannelli, Eraldo Pizzo, Rosario Parmegiani, Dante Rossi, Brunello Spinelli.
Source: private collection

1950’s: Soviet Water Polo bronze medal

Beautiful bronze medal issued in USSR around the 50’s.
Source: private collection

1948: the silver Hungarian team

The team of Hungary winner of silver medal in London, 1948 Olympic Games.

Source: private collection

1948, London: Medal for the Hungarian team

Commemorative medal issued in Budapest, to honour the Hungarian team silver medallist in London 1948 Olympic Games. In the reverse side of the medal appear the player’s names: Jenő Brandi, Oszkár Csuvik, Dezső Fábián, Dezső Gyarmati, Endre Győrfi, Miklós Holop, László Jeney, Dezső Lemhényi, Károly Szittya, István Szívós.
Source: private collection

1948, London: Italy vs Holland 4-2

Italy scoring their second goal against Holland on the last day of the Olympic tournament ij London 1948 Olympic Games. By winning this match 4-2, Italy became Olympic Champion.

Italy: Ermenegildo Arena, Emilio Bulgarelli, Pasquale Buonocore, Aldo Ghira, Mario Majoni, Geminio Ognio, Gianfranco Pandolfini, Tullo Pandolfini, Cesare Rubini.

Holland: Cor Braasem, Hennie Keetelaar, Nijs Korevaar, Joop Rohner, Frits Ruimschotel, Piet Salomons, Frits Smol, Hans Stam, Ruud van Feggelen.

Source: Official report London 1948 Olympic Games

1938: The Water Polo team of UCLA

The team University of California, Los Angeles in 1938. First row L-R: Cheieinka, Norton, Kuehne, Reardon. Second row: Fiske, Crawly, Cozens, Mardsen. Third row: Don Park (coach), Shaw, Orr, Paxton, Paddock, Slater (assistant coach).
Source: Photo courtesy of UCLA Water Polo". This picture is for viewing purposes only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted.

1937: The Water Polo team of UCLA

The team University of California, Los Angeles in 1937. Front row L-R: Norton, Paxton, Demetre, Slate, Fiske, Nadis. Back row: Don Park (coach), Summers, Goldthwaite, Van Horn, Christiansen, Shaw, Wood, Crowley, Phair, manager.
Source: Photo courtesy of UCLA Water Polo". This picture is for viewing purposes only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted.

1936: Action during UCLA – Stanford

Action during the game of University of California, Los Angeles and Stanford University in 1936. Picture’s label says: “Dixon Fiske goes below the water as Stanford’s guard makes god an effort to stop the shot of outstanding Bruin player. The Indians All Coast goalie stands by ready to push himself up into the air to stop Uclan’s heave when and if it comes."
Source: Photo courtesy of UCLA Water Polo". This picture is for viewing pur”poses only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted 1934: action during a game of UCLA

1936: The Water Polo team of UCLA

The team University of California, Los Angeles in 1936. Back row L-R: Smith, Reed, Faire, managers; Naidis, Orr, Horton, Brown, Bozung, Don Park (coach). Front row L-R: Norton, Demetre, Paxton, Fiske, Wood, Slater. B.Norton, Medlicott.
Source: Photo courtesy of UCLA Water Polo". This picture is for viewing purposes only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted.

1934: British Royal Navy medal

Beautiful British Navy Water Polo medal dated 1934.
Source: private collection

1936, Berlin: Henri Stoelen, Belgium

Henri Stoelen member of the Belgian team, winner of bronze medal in Berlin 1936 Olympic Games. The team of Belgium: Henry Disy, Joseph de Combe, Henri Stoelen, Fernand Isselé, Albert Castelyns, Gérard Blitz, Pierre Coppieters, Henri de Pauw, Edmond Michiels.
Source: http://www.belsport.be/

1931, Paris: The team of Belgium

The team of Belgium marching in the opening ceremony of the of the 3rd European Championships, held at the pool "les Tourelles", Paris in 1931. Hungary won the gold, Germany the silver and Austria the bronze medal.

Source: http://www.antwerpen.be/

1935: Don Parker coaching UCLA players

Don Parker, coach of UCLA Water Polo team, while observing carefully a training scrimmage of his team in 1935.
Source: Photo courtesy of UCLA Water Polo". This picture is for viewing purposes only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted.

1935: The Water polo team of UCLA

The team of University of California, Los Angeles in 1935, winner of the Pacific coast Intercollegiate Championship. First Row L-R: Daubensbeck, Slater, Fiske, Knox, Sellers, Wood, Adams, Wookfolke. Second Row L-R: Don Parker (coach), Naidis, Streech, Parsons, Keliher, Demetre, Chitrin, manager, Banks.
Source: Photo courtesy of UCLA Water Polo". This picture is for viewing purposes only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted.

1934: action during a game of UCLA

The goalkeeper of UCLA ready to defend his cage during a 1934 game.
Source: Photo courtesy of UCLA Water Polo". This picture is for viewing purposes only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted.

1934: The Water polo team of UCLA

The team of University of California, Los Angeles in 1934. First Row L-R: Allport, Dexter, Adams, Goldthwaite, Lewis. Second Row L-R: Varney, Knox, Park (Coach), Griffith, Daubensbeck.
Source: Photo courtesy of UCLA Water Polo". This picture is for viewing purposes only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted.

1908, London: A unique Water Polo video clip

Unique video clip captured during the Water Polo competition in London 1908, Olympic Games. To note in the background of Water Polo field, scenes of the Cycling competition held in the White City Stadium.
Source: IOC video archives. This video clip is for viewing purposes only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted.

1908, London: The White City Stadium

A wide view of the White City Stadium, London’s 1908, Olympic Stadium, venue of the Water Polo competition, along with Cycling, Athletics, Swimming, Diving, Gymnastics, Archery, Fencing and Wrestling competitions.
Source: Official report, London 1908 Olympic Games

1908, London: The White City Stadium

The Water Polo competition in London 1908 Olympic Games took place at the open-air bath situated in the White City (Olympic) Stadium, to the north of Shepherd’s Bush, London. The bath measured 100 metres long, 15 metres wide, with a depth of 3 metres 70 centimetres in the centre, and 1 metre 20 centimetres at each end, and was filled with fresh water (not salt). At the right side stands the United Kingdom Water Polo team winner of Gold medal.
Source: Official report, London 1908 Olympic Games

1905: The team of New York Athletic Club

Group portrait of the 1905 New York Athletic Club Water Polo team, posing against a wall in Chicago, Illinois.
Source: Chicago Daily News negatives collection, Chicago Historical Society.
This picture is for viewing purposes only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted.

1908: Fighting for the ball

P.J. Geckler, S. Solomon and E. Pilot, members of the Central Y. M. C. A. Water Polo team, posing as if they are fighting for the ball in a room in Chicago, Illinois in 1908.
Source: Chicago Daily News negatives collection, Chicago Historical Society.

This picture is for viewing purposes only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted.

1908: Duel fighting for the ball

George De Mar, Central Y. M. C. A. Water Polo team captain, and swimmer F. N. Barker posing as if fighting for the ball, which is in De Mar's left hand, standing in front of a light coloured background in a room in Chicago, Illinois in 1908.
Source: Chicago Daily News negatives collection, Chicago Historical Society.

This picture is for viewing purposes only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted.

1905: Players of Chicago A.A practicing

Group portrait of six Chicago Athletic Association Water Polo team players practicing a play in a natatorium pool in Chicago, Illinois in 1905.
Source: Chicago Daily News negatives collection, Chicago Historical Society. This picture is for viewing purposes only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted.

1922: The Women’s of Chicago Hebrew Institute

The Women's team of Chicago Hebrew Institute standing in front of a light-colored backdrop in a room in Chicago, Illinois in 1922. The players are crouching and leaning back on one another. From L-R: Sara Hansen, Pearl Van, Iona Huder, Annabelle Fairweather, Julia Grossman, Sara Chapman, Frances Nelman, Florence Kaplan, Freda Silbert.
Source: Chicago Daily News negatives collection, Chicago Historical Society.

This picture is for viewing purposes only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted.

1908: The team Central Y.M.C.A

Group portrait of the Central Y. M. C. A. Water Polo team posing in front of a light colored background in a room in Chicago, Illinois in 1908.
Source: Chicago Daily News negatives collection, Chicago Historical Society.

This picture is for viewing purposes only. No reproduction or distribution rights are granted.