WATER POLO: The Australian Women's water polo team have bowed out of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in style, dominating their final match to defeat the Netherlands 14-7.
The win sees the Stingers finish fifth, having showcased a powerful game of defence and attack that they’re known for.
Nine players shared the goal scoring for the sharp Stingers. Olympic debutant Gabi Palm was impressive in goals.
Among the scorers was Bronte Halligan, another at her first Olympics, who stood up for the team throughout their campaign and showed she’s a player for the future.
For Halligan, today was about getting out there and having fun, but also representing Australia with pride.
“We showed true resilience out there today, it’s not been an easy Olympic Games and to come out and play the way we did I’m really proud of all the girls,” Halligan said.
“Some of the girls, this is their last game with us, so it’s really bittersweet. We wanted to do it for them, we wanted to do it for Australia, we wanted to inspire the other kids sitting at home watching us knowing that we didn’t do what we wanted to do in the Olympic Games but we can come out on top at the end... it’s a really good feeling.
“We love playing water polo and we love to see the next generation of kids coming through and being inspired by us… as long as we can show we are having fun and we are doing what we love that’s all you can hope for.”
One such player they were doing it for was four-time Olympian and former Stingers captain Bron Knox, who will be hanging up her Olympic bathers for the last time.
“I was really happy with how I played this week. I went out there and played with heart, left everything in the water and that’s all I can do,” Knox said.
“I would love to still be there (at the next Olympics)... but it’s time for me to let the youngsters come in and take over.
“I’ve given 17 years to the national program and played internationally. As much as I'd love to continue, I think it’s time I find other things that I’m passionate about and can make a difference in.
“I get to finish on my terms, I’ve done everything I possibly could and I’m really proud of everything I’ve achieved.
“To be able to finish on your own terms, because not many people get to do that, it’s a fantastic way to cap off my career.”
Fifth place at these Olympics for the Stingers is one spot better than their placing at Rio 2016.
