Bronwen Knox creates Olympic history, becoming the first Australian woman to make four Olympics in water polo, while 20-year old debutants Abby Andrews and Matilda Kearns will become the third and fourth youngest women to play Water Polo for Australia at an Olympics. 

Captain Rowie Webster has been selected for her third Games, Rio Olympians Zoe Arancini Keesja Gofers, Hannah Buckling and Lea Yanitsas return for their second Games, while Elle Armit, Bronte Halligan, Lena Mihailovic, Gabriella Palm and Amy Ridge join Kearns and Andrews in making their Olympic debut.

The ‘Aussie Stingers’ have matched it with the best in the world, winning silver at the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju Korea, and taking Olympic bronze at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.  

The team will start their campaign at Tokyo’s Tatsumi Water Polo centre on 24 July 2021, with Australia drawn in Pool A with European Champions Spain, Netherlands, Canada and South Africa.

Chef de Mission of the Australian Olympic Team Ian Chesterman congratulated the players on their selection.

“These are a tight-knit, committed group of athletes who have shown incredible determination to make it through the trials of the pandemic to secure their spot in representing their country at this Olympic Games,” Mr Chesterman said. 

“I congratulate them all and thank not only the athletes but all the coaching and support staff that have supported them on this incredible road to Tokyo. 

“Our Water Polo team have an incredible record at the Olympics and I know this group, lead by Rowie Webster, is determined to add to that. Congratulations to all the players named to the Australian Olympic Team today.

“I also want to single out Bronwen - making a single Olympic is a phenomenal achievement, but to make a fourth Olympic Team is a rare and special milestone.”

“While we’re celebrating the announcement here today at the team’s training camp on the Sunshine Coast it’s also a great day for families, friends, supporters, teammates and coaches, right around the country, who have helped these 13 athletes achieve their Olympic dream.