Hannah Buckling

Fast Facts 

Sport: Water Polo 
Event: Women
Olympic History: Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 
Year Born: 1992
Born: Paddington, Sydney

About Hannah

A former Junior Female Water Polo Player of the Year award winner in 2011, Hannah Buckling grabbed her maiden Test cap for Australia, the same year taking gold with the Stingers at the Canada Cup, as a Sydney Nothern Beaches Water Polo club alumni.

After narrowly missing out on selection for London 2o12, Buckling, the rising star of the Stingers squad became a vital part of the Trojans – the University of Southern California’s Water Polo team, that won the prestigious NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) championship in 2013, beating Stanford (10-9).

That same year she helped Australia to silver at the 2013 FINA World Championships in Spain after taking bronze at the 2011 FINA World Juniors in Italy.

Buckling then made her Olympic debut at Rio 2016 in the defensive line on the Australian Women’s Water Polo Team.

The Aussies kick-started their Rio campaign with a strong, dominant 14-4 win over Russia. Their second pool match proved to be more of a challenge with the green and gold side narrowly going down to Italy 7-8 despite the scores being tied until the final seconds. 

The Aussies then powered home to take a decisive 10-3 win over hosts Brazil in the final pool game, setting up a quarter-final clash against Hungary. In a physical, tense, and ultimately heartbreaking encounter the Australians lost in a penalty shootout after scores were level, 8-8, after four quarters, ending their 2016 Olympic campaign. 

While awaiting her second Olympic games at Tokyo 2020, the Bachelor of Science holder from Sydney University- currently studying for a post-graduate medical degree reflected on the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When COVID-19 began, and the closure of pools, inability to train, and the suspension of the Olympics, I found myself with an opportunity to return to study,” Hannah said.

“I am now back studying and I could not be enjoying myself more! I am extremely lucky and grateful that Sydney University allowed me to return to the program.”

Buckling made her second Olympic appearance at the delayed Tokyo 2020 games. The Aussies would enjoy a strong group-stage showing, achieving a record of 3-1 finishing tied first on points, and advancing to the quarter-finals in second position. This set up a quarter-final tie against the ROC, which Australia would heartbreakingly lose 9-8 eliminating the squad from medal contention. 

Buckling would showcase her quality throughout the games, finishing the tournament with the fourth most steals (10).