1924: Players of "Sportski Blub Baluni"

Players of Pomorsko Sportski Klub Baluni of Split in 1924. From L-R: Ante Pilic, Nenad Ozanic, Ante Rajic and Danilo Majic
Source: courtesy of Mr. Zoran Kacic

1924: The team of Sportski Klub Baluni

The team of Pomorsko Sportski Klub Baluni of Split in 1924 - The team has been renamed later on as "Jugoslavenski sportski klub JADRAN". From L-R: Ante Pilic, Andro Zezelj, Dusko Zezej, Tomislav Bulat (with ball), Ante Rajic, Ante Roje, Danilo Majic.
Source: courtesy of Mr. Zoran Kacic

1969: Ivo's Stakula - "in memoriam" award

An award offered by the Yugoslav Olympic Committee in 1969, in memory of the legendary Ivo Stakula, winner of silver medal at Helsinki 1952 and Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games. Ivo Stakula after the Games of 1956, stayed in Melbourne and played in the Australian League until he passed away, prematurely, on the 26th October 1958.

1908: Autograph of Thomas Henry Thould

Autograph of Thomas Henry Thould (1886-1971) player of Weston-super-Mare, and member of the golden British team at London 1908 and Stockholm 1912 Olympic Games.
Source: courtesy of Mr. Mike G. Coles

1950: Budapesti Dozsa, Champion of Hungary

The team of Budapesti Dozsa (today is named UTE - Ujpesti Torna Egylet) Champion of Hungary in 1950. From L-R: Sarkany (coach), Tarodi, Splies, Kunsagi, Gulyas, kun, Kislegy, Martin, Varkonyi, Gyarmati, Vizvari.
Source: Aranykor' by Dezső Gyarmati and Gergely Csurka; courtesy of Mrs Zsófia Viló

1949: Vasas Budapest, Champion of Hungary

The team of Vasas Sport Club Budapest, Champion of Hungary in 1949: Markovits, Szalai, Kotras, Jeney, Goor, Kis, Szivos, Bozsi, Somhegyi.
Source: Aranykor' by Dezső Gyarmati and Gergely Csurka; courtesy of Mrs Zsófia Viló

1954: Szolnoki Dosza SC, Champion of Hungary

The team of Szolnoki Dozsa Sport Club, Champion of Hungary in 1954: Hasznor I., Kelemen, Pinter I., Foldes, Hegmann, Csontos, Karolyi, Kanizsa, Boros, Hasznos II.
Source: Aranykor' by Dezső Gyarmati and Gergely Csurka; courtesy of Mrs Zsófia Viló

1956: The National team of Hungary

The National team of Hungary, the year of Melbourne 1956 Olympics.
From L-R: Szivos, Bolvari, Gyarmati, Hevesi, Jeney, Markovits, Karpati.
Source: Aranykor' by Dezső Gyarmati and Gergely Csurka; courtesy of Mrs Zsófia Viló

1958, Budapest: The victory ceremony

The teams of Hungary, Yugoslavia and Soviet Union at the victory ceremony of Budapest 1958, European Championships.
Source: Aranykor' by Dezső Gyarmati and Gergely Csurka; courtesy of Mrs Zsófia Viló

1958, Budapest: The winners of Deszo Lemhenyi

The Hungarian team, winner at the 1958 European Championships with their coach Deszo Lemhenyi. From L-R: Lemhenyi, Boros, Hevesi, Domotor, Kanizsa, Markovits, Molnar, Karpati.
Source: Aranykor' by Dezső Gyarmati and Gergely Csurka; courtesy of Mrs Zsófia Viló

1958, Budapest: The winners of Hungary

The National team of Hungary winner of gold medal at Budapest 1958 European Championships. The team: Mayer, Csillag, Pinter I, Hevesi, Jeney, Domotor, Markovits, Katona, Boros, Lemhenyi, Kanizsa, Karpati, Molnar, Vaczi.
Source: Aranykor' by Dezső Gyarmati and Gergely Csurka; courtesy of Mrs Zsófia Viló

1957: The Champions of Szolnoki Dozsa SC

The team of Szolnoki Dozsa Sport Club, Champion of Hungary in 1957. From L-R: Csontos, Kelemen, Brinza, Koncz, Haznos II, Szabo I., Kanizsa, Hegmann, Szegedi, Boros, Czapko, Kuzcora, Pinter I.
Source: Aranykor' by Dezső Gyarmati and Gergely Csurka; courtesy of Mrs Zsófia Viló

1954: The team of Budapest Honved

The team of (Budapest) Bp.Honved, winner of the Hungarian Cup in 1954. From L-R: Banhidi, Sveda, Varga, Hevesi, Sarzegi, Nemeth II, Holop.
Source: Aranykor' by Dezső Gyarmati and Gergely Csurka; courtesy of Mrs Zsófia Viló

1954, Torino: The golden Hungarians

The National team of Hungary, led by Dezső Lemhényi, gold winner in the Torino 1954 European Championships. Standing L-R: Ottó Boros, István Hevesi, Aladár Szabó, Kálmán Markovits, György Vízvári, Dezső Gyarmati, Antal Bolvári. Squatting L-R: László Jeney, Miklós Martin, Dezső Lemhényi (Head Coach), István Szívós senior, György Kárpáti. Source: 'Aranykor' by Dezső Gyarmati and Gergely Csurka.

1952, Helsinki: Jobo Kurtini and Ivo Stakula

The legendary players of Yugoslavia Ivica Jobo Kurtini and Ivo Stakula at Helsinki 1952 Olympic Games.
Source: Szivos family archives

1953: The National team of Hungary

The National team of Hungary that took part at the "Trofeo Italia" held in Nijmegen of Netherlands in 1953.
Source: Szivos family archives

1953, Nijmegen: Gerrit Bijlsma and Istvan Szivos

Gerrit Bijlsma captain of Netherlands and the captain of Hungary Istvan Szivos Sr., exchanging the team flags prior to their game at the "Trofeo Italia" held in Nijmegen of Netherlands in 1953.
Source: Szivos family archives

1953, Nilmegen: Yugoslavia - Hungary 6-5

Action during the game of Yugoslavia and Hungary at the "Trofeo Italia" of 1953 held in Nijmegen of Netherlands. Yugoslavia was the winner of the game with 6-5. The team of Yugoslavia: Kovacic, Bakasun, Stakula, Vuksanovic, Kurtini, Radonic and Josic. The team of Hungary: Boros, Hevesi, Gyarmati, Markovits, Bolvari, Szivos and Karpati.
Source: Szivos family archives

1904: Postcard by George Derville Rowlandson

Postcard, with drawing of Water Polo by the well known English artist George Derville Rowlandson (1861-1930).
The card has been issued by C.W.Faulkner & Co, London in 1904.
Source: personal collection

1949: The team "Aretusa" of Siracusa

The team "Aretusa" of Siracusa in 1949 (later on became Circolo Canottieri Ortigia). From L-R: Cancelliere, Enzo Genovese, Nino Bongiovanni, Carmelo Salvo, Nino Mirabella, Umberto Bandiera, Ciccio Minniti, Vittorio Natoli.
Source:http://www.antoniorandazzo.it/

1912: The team "CN Juvisy sur Orge", Paris

The team of "CN Juvisy sur Orge", Paris in 1912.
Source: http://gallica.bnf.fr

1908: Herman Meyboom, Belgium

Picture of the Belgian Water Polo player Herman Meyboom, winner of silver medal at London 1908 and bronze medal at Stockholm 1912 Olympic Games.
Source: Photographie de presse; Agence Roll; http://gallica.bnf.fr

1912: Match at the "Ile des Cygnes"

Water Polo match at the "Ile des Cygnes" Paris in 1912. "Iles des Cygnes" (Isle of the Swan) is a small island in the Seine in Paris, France.
Source: http://gallica.bnf.fr

1913: The Champions of E.N.Tourcoing

The team of the "Enfants de Neptune de Tourcoing" winners of the 1913 French Championship.
Source: La vie sportive du Nord et de Pas-de-Calais 22/3/1913

1913: An English team competing at Saint Denis

An unknown English team that took part in the Paris competition held at the canal Saint Denis of Paris in 1913.
Source: Photographie de presse; Agence Roll; http://gallica.bnf.fr

1913: A French team competing at Saint Denis

An unknown French team that took part in the Paris competition held at the canal Saint Denis of Paris in 1913.
Source: Photographie de presse; Agence Roll; http://gallica.bnf.fr

1913: Match at the pool "Piscine de la Gare"

Match at the indoor pool of Paris "Piscine de la Gare" in 1913.
Source: Photographie de presse; Agence Roll; http://gallica.bnf.fr

Water Warriors: Chronicle of Australian Water Polo

Dr. Tracy Rockwell has broken new ground in creating the first history of the Sport of Water Polo in Australia. Literally, thousands of people across the country have played the game, but until now nothing has so painstakingly documented the development of the Australian Water Polo year by year, decade by decade over 127 year span (1881-2008). The research has re-discoverd long forgotten competitions and great players of the past, but also contrasts more recent events, teams and athletes right up to Beijing Olympic Games. Water Warriors highlights Australia's Olympic Games and FINA performances at World Champs and World Cup events and even lists the annual premier teams from each State.
A highlight of the 592 pages fully illustrated book and more than 1350 images wich document the people, the places and the passion of Australian Water Polo across the centuries. This monumental achievement is ideal reading for Sports history enthusiasts, past and present members of the Water Polo international community.
Available by email from: waterwarriors@optusnet.com.au
($99 AUSD + postage)

1946: The emblematic Alex Jany

Cover of the French Sports newspaper Miroir Sprint of 1946 with the picture of the emblematic French swimmer and Water Polo player Alex Jany (1929-2001).
Source: Miroir Sprint 1946

1949: Action during France vs Hungary (4-5)

Action during the game of France against Hungary in the pool of Tourelles in Paris, 1948. "The French goalie Debonnet looks desperately the ball in to his cage for the fifht time after a shot of Szivos"
Source: Miroir Sprint; 29 August 1949

1949: France vs Hungary (4-5) in Paris

Presentation of the National teams of France (left) and Hungary (right) during the Grant Prix of Paris, at the pool of Tourelles in 1949. Hungary won the game with 5-4. Among the French players (first from right) is the legendary Alex Jany, who won at the same competition swam the 100 metres freestyle with 58 6/10 against the Hungarian Kadas.
Source: Miroir Sprint 29 August 1949

1968: The team of Australia that missed Mexico

The 1968 National team of Australia that did not enter to the Olympic Games competition in Mexico City due to technical conflict between the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and the Australian Swimming Union. Through no fault of the athletes, the adiministrative conflict escalated, over a number of months to involve both FINA and the International Olympic Committee, resulting in a decision by IOC President at the time, Avery Brundage to bar Australia's participation and support the initial AOC decision to block their entry.
The Australian team: Back row L-R: Tom Hoad (c), Graham Samuels, John Harrison (g/k), Tony Harrison, Ian Mills. Front row L-R: Oscar Charles (Coach/Manager), Mick Withers (g/k), David Neesham, Bill McAtee, Nick Barnes, Bill Berge;Phillips Jnr, Dave Woods.
Source: Photo-Oscar Charles. Photo supplied courtesy of "Water Warriors: Chronicle of Australian Water Polo by Dr. Tracy Rockwell (2009)

1964, Tokyo: The team of Australia

The National team of Australia that took part at Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games. Back row L-R: Leon Wiegard, Les Nunn, Stan Hammond, Ian Mills, Graham Samuels, Bill Berge-Philips Jnr, Mick Withers (g/k). Front row L-R: Nick Barnes, Tom Hoad (c), Alex Kosegi (Coach), Ted Pierce, Bill McAtee.
Source: Photo - Ian Milles. Photo sypplied courtesy of :"Water Warriors: Chronicle of Australian Water Polo" by Dr. Tracy Rockwell (2009)

1956, Melbourne: The team of Australia

The National team of Australia that took part at Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games. Back row L-R: Keith Whitehead, Allan Charleston, Bill McCabe, Jake Foster, Jim Farrell, Peter Bennet, John O'Brien. Front row L-R: Doug Laing (g/k), Ray Smee (c), Colin French (Coach), Bill Orchard, Ted Pierce.
Source: Photo - Robert Menzies. Photo sypplied courtesy of :"Water Warriors: Chronicle of Australian Water Polo" by Dr. Tracy Rockwell (2009)

1948, London: The team of Australia

The first Australian Olympic Water Polo team at London 1948 Olympics. From L-R: Colin French, Roger Cornforth, Arthur Burge, Les MacKay, Ben Dalley (g/k), Eric Johnson, Hermie Doerner (c/Coach). Absent: Leon Ferguson, Jack Ferguson. Source: Photo - Mrs L.Mckay; Photo supplied courtesy of "Water Warriors: Chronicle of Australian Water Polo" by Dr.Tracy Rockwell (2009)

1937: The team of Victoria State

The team of Victoria State, were the 1937 Regal Cup runners-up to New South Wales in the unofficial Australian Water Polo Championship. Back row L-R: L.Uren (Hon. Coach), D.C. Galagher, M.B. Cassidy, E.Hallett, L.M.Phillips (Hon.Sec). Front row: J.Watkinson, P.I.Bennet, B.Foster, R.J.Bennet, J.Millard. Front: W.McDonald (Hon. Masseur)
Source: Photo - Bill Bennet. Photo supplied courtesy of "Water Warriors: Chronicle of Australian Water Polo" by Dr. Tracy Rockwell (2009)

1932: The team of Victoria State

The Victorian State Water Polo team, runners up at the 1932 Regal Cup. From L-R: S.Glover, J.O' Hara, R.Bennett (c), H.King, L.Coombes, G.Cassidy, D.Hopkins.
Source: Photo Bill Bennett. Photo supplied courtesy of "Water Warriors: Chronicle of Australian Water Polo" by Dr. Tracy Rockwell (2009)

1899: Water Polo match at Balmain Baths

A good crowd witnessed the Water Polo match between Balmain Swimming Club and West Sydney Swimming Club at Balmain Baths during the 1899 season in Sydney, Australia.
Source: Photo Balmain SC Archives. Photo supplied courtesy of "Water Warriors: Chronicle of Australian Water Polo" by Dr. Tracy Rockwell (2009)

1911: The team of Sydney Swimming Club

The team of Sydney Swimming Club winner of the New South Wales Amateur Swimming Association competition in 1911. The team: M.Duffy (c), W.W.Hill, P.Russell, E. Jones (g), R.B.Hill, L.Solomons, J.Dreelin, A.D.Hill.
Source: Photo - Balmain SC Archives. Photo supplied courtesy of "Water Polo Warriors: Chronicle of Australian Water Polo" by Dr.Tracy Rockwell (2009).

1899: The team of Balmain Swimming Club

The team of Balmain Swimming Club winner of the New South Wales Amateur Swimming Association, Sydney competition in 1899. Back row L-R: T.Kinnimont, G.C.Murdoch (Mayor), R.Crookshank. Middle row: R.Davis, P.Murphy (c), J.Taylor, A.Griffins. Front row: R.R.Craig, D.Boyd, J.Davidson.
Source: Photo - Balmain SC Archives. Photo supplied courtesy of "Water Polo Warriors: Chronicle of Australian Water Polo" by Dr.Tracy Rockwell (2009).

1950, Vienna: Netherlands vs Italy 9-4

Action during the game of Netherlands and Italy (9-4) at Vienna 1950 European Championships. The team of Netherlands winner of gold medal in Vienna: Gerrit Bijsma, Cor Braasem, Rudy van Feggelen, Max Gabout, Hennie Keeteral, Nijs Koorevaar, Frits Smol, Joop Gabout, Gaston Finee and Nico Luchs. Ranking: 1. Nederlands, 2. Sweden, 3.Yugoslavia, 4. Italy, 5. Austria, 6. France, 7. Switzerland.
Source: Lo Sport Illustrato, 31 August 1950

1950, Vienna: Yugoslavia vs Italy 9-7

Action during the game of Yugoslavia against Italy (9-7) at Vienna 1950 European Championships.
Source: Lo Sport Illustrato, 21 August 1950.

1960: Cor Braasem and Frans Kuyper

Two legendary Dutch: Cor Braasem (left) and Frans Kuyper (right) while coaching the team of Netherlands prior to Rome 1960 Olympics.
Source: Vida deportiva; 7 June 1960

1952, Helsinki: The team of USSR

The team of Soviet Union that took part at Helsinki 1952 Olympic Games. Standing L-R: Mshvenieradze, Prokopov, Semenov, Ushakov. Kneeling L-R: Teplov, Dimitriev, Liferenko.
Source: “Bodnoe Polo” Mikchail Ryzhak.

1952, Helsinki: Holland vs USSR 3-2

Action during the game, of Holland and Soviet Union 3-2 at Helsinki 1952 Olympic Games. Holland: Van Gelder, Gerrit Bijsma, Braasem, Korevaar, Cabout, Van Feggelen, Smol. USSR: Gojkman, Semenov, Teplov, Prokopov, Kokorin, Liferenko, Mshvenieradze.
Source: lo Sport (Italian sports newspaper), 7 Aug. 1952

1906: The winners of Weston-super-Mare

The team of Weston-super-Mare winner of the 1906 English Championship. First row: T.Daver, P.Radmilovic, H.H.Clark, Sesil Strandling, J.S. Walker. Second row: F.W. Wright, T.Thould, T.Davey, B.Dunn, H. Collins. Third row: Chas. Stradling, A.Barnes.
Source: courtesy of Mr. Mike G. Coles. (Copyright: R.W.Brown, Photographer)

1925: The Champions of Weston-super-Mare

The team of Weston-super-Mare, winner of the English Championship in 1925. Back row L-R: C. Baker, G. Baker, L. Harris, G. Burgess, C. Trist, G. Newberry, W. Payne, H. Benfield, F. Bennett, L. Elver, A. E. B. Gregory. Middle row, standing: T H Thould (senior), J Rowsell, H B Hawkins, F Banwell (Club Captain), J Reed, G Boulton (trainer), P Radmilovic (GB captain Olympic Teams), G Day, E Buckley (Somerset), T H Thould (GB, Olympic Games), F Boulton (trainer), S Collins (assistant secretary), H Collins (hon secretary), A Glass, G Taylor. Front row, sitting: H Dommett (Olympic Games), A Roberts (Somerset), R Elver (captain, Somerset), C Burrows (Somerset), A L Hoskins (Reserve, Somerset). Source: courtesy of Mr. Mike G. Coles.

1952: The National team of France

The National team of France in 1952. Standing L-R: Duquesnoy, Berthe, Dewash, Padou. Squatting L-R: Martineaux, Van Simaey, Viaene.
Source: But Club - Le miroir des Sports; June 1952.

1948: The National team of Australia

The National team of Australia that played against France in the pool of Paris "Les Tourelles" in 1948. The Australian team lost 8-5 against France. Few weeks later, during the London 1948 Olympics, the Aussies at their first Olympic appearance were eliminated in the 1st round by loosing against Italy and Yugoslavia. The team of Australia: Arthur Burge, Roger Cornforth, Benjamin Dalley, Herman Doerner, John Ferguson, Leon Ferguson, Colin French, Eric Johnston, John King, Les McKay.
Source: Miroir Sprint; 29 June 1948