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

1980, Moscow: The Hungarians complaining

The legendary players of Hungary György Gerendás, Tamás Faragó and Attila Sudár complaining against the referee’s decision during the decisive game for the silver medal in Moscow 1980 Olympic Games. Yugoslavia won against Hungary , into a though game, with 8-7.
The team of Hungary: Molnár Endre, Szivós István, Sudár Attila, Gerendás György, Horkai György, Csapó Gábor, Kiss István, Udvardi István, Kuncz László, Faragó Tamás, Hauszler Károly.
The team of Yugoslavia: Vezilic Luka, Gopcevic Zoran, Polic Damir, Rudic Ratko, Mustur Zoran, Roje Zoran, Bebic Milivoj, Trifunovic Slobodan, Lozica Boško, Manojlovic Predrag, Krivokapic Milorad.
Source: personal collection

1980, Moscow: Australia vs Greece 4-2

Action during an extra men situation of the game Australia vs Greece in Moscow 1980 Olympic Games. The Australian team winner of the game with 4-2: Turner Michael, Neesham David, Bryant Robert, Montgomeri Peter, Muspratt Julian, Kerr Andrew, Falson Anthony, Turner Charles, Callaghan Martin, Goff Randall, Steward Andrew.
Source: personal collection

1980, Moscow: Holland vs Greece

Another action during the game of Holland vs Greece in Moscow 1980 Olympic Games.
Source: courtesy of Mr. Kyriakos Giannopoulos

1980, Moscow: Holland vs Greece 8-7

Action during a man down situation of the game of Holland vs Greece in Moscow 1980 Olympics. The Dutch team winner of the game with 8-7: de Bie Wouly, Landeweerd Nicolaas, Veer Jan Evert, van Zeeland Hans, Buunk Toni, Noordergraaf Erik, Van Belkum Stan, Nieuwenhuizen Dick, van Mil Adrianus, Korevaar Jan Jaap, Misdorp Rudolf.
The Greek team: Vossos Yiannis, Karalogos Thomas, Stathakis Sotirios, Kapralos Spyros, Giannopoulos Kyriakos, Kefalogiannis Aris, Garifallos Yiannis, Gounas Andreas, Aronis Antonios, Sitarenios Markellos, Giannouris Yiannis.
Source: courtesy of Mr. Kyriakos Giannopoulos

1980, Moscow: Andreas Garyfallos coaching

Andreas Garyfallos, the “Patriarch” of Greek Water Polo, while coaching his players during in Moscow 1980 Olympic Games. From L-R: Kyriakos Giannopoulos, Spyros Capralos and Yiannis Vossos.
Source: courtesy of Mr. Kyriakos Giannopoulos

1980, Moscow: Antonios Aronis in action

Antonios Aronis, the legendary centre forward of Greece, during an extra men situation in Moscow 1980 Olympic Games (white cap Nr. 9). Antonios Aronis, player of Ethnicos Piraeus, has been one of the most important players of Greek Water Polo, contributing allot to the improvement of its international status during the 80’s.
Source: Official report Moscow 1980 Olympic Games

1980, Moscow: The Greeks marching

The Water Polo team of Greece marching during the opening ceremony of Moscow 1980 Olympic Games. The players of the Greek team, ranked 10th in Moscow: Vossos Yiannis, Karalogos Thomas, Stathakis Sotirios, Kapralos Spyros, Giannopoulos Kyriakos, Kefalogiannis Aris, Garifallos Yiannis , Gounas Andreas, Aronis Antonios, Sitarenios Markellos, Giannouris Yiannis
Source: courtesy of Mr. Kyriakos Giannopoulos

1979: China vs Mexico

Action during the game of China against the team of Mexico at the University Games of Mexico in 1979.

Source: personal collection

1979: The National team of China

The National team of China at the University Games held in Mexico city in 1979.
Source: personal collection

1947: The National team of Brazil

The National team of Brazil in 1947. At the right side appears the legendary President of FIFA João Havelange, member of the Brazilian team in Helsinki 1952 Olympics.
Source: private collection

1932: The golden Hungarians

The team of Hungary receiving the gold medal in Los Angeles 1932 Olympic Games. The Hungarian winners: George Brody, Alexander Ivády, Martin Homonnai (Captain), Oliver Halassy, Joseph Vértesi, John Németh, Francis Keserü.
Source: Official report Los Angeles 1932 Olympic Games

1932: Matsumoto of Japan, in action

The goalkeeper of Japan, Takashige Matsumoto, in action during Los Angeles 1932 Olympic Games. The team of Japan was 4th into the final standing. The team: Takashige Matsumoto , Akira Fujita, Shuji Doi, Iwao Tokito, Yasutaro Sakagami, Takaji Takebayashi, Tosuke Sawami.
Source: Official report Los Angeles 1932 Olympic Games

1932, Los Angeles: USA vs Brazil 6-1

Another action during the game of USA against the team of Brazil (6-1) in Los Angeles 1932 Olympic Games.
Source: Official report Los Angeles 1932 Olympic Games

1932, Los Angeles: USA vs Brazil 6-1

Action during the game of USA against the team of Brazil (6-1) in Los Angeles 1932 Olympic Games.
The US team: Herbert H.Wildman, Calvet Strong, Charles Finn, Harold McAllister, Philip Daubenspeck, Austin R. Clapp, Walace O’Connor (captain).
The team of Brazil: Luiz Henrique Da Silva, Jefferson Maurity Souza, Mario De Lorenzo, Salvador Amendola, Antonio Ferreira Jacobina, Adhemar Serpa and Pedro Theberge.

Source: Official report Los Angeles 1932 Olympic Games