Kate's Story
Kate Gynther is a triple Olympian (2004, 2008, 2012) and dual Olympic water polo bronze medallist (2008 and 2012). Gynther made her Olympic debut in 2004 alongside her step-sisters Melissa and Rebecca Rippon where the team placed fourth. Determined to return with a medal in 2008, Gynther was one of the outstanding players of Beijing. She was the tournament’s second top scorer, finishing with 13 goals. This included three in the bronze medal final (one during the deciding penalty shoot-out) to help Australia defeat Hungary 12-11. The Queenslander had special reason to celebrate the podium finish - her step-sisters were also still on the team. They were one of two sets of sisters represented – Jenna and Mia Santoromito were the other.
Gynther returned to Olympic competition at the London 2012 Games along with Melissa Rippon and was given the honour of captaining her country. Under Gynther’s leadership the team was undefeated in the pool rounds before playing three extra time games in the finals. After beating China in the quarter-final through a penalty shoot-out, the Aussies fell to their American rivals in the semi 11-9. The bronze medal game shaped up as a rematch between Australia and Hungary and it too went into extra-time. The Hungarians scored in the final second of normal play to force the extra period, however the Australians remained composed and scored the only two goals in added time to take the bronze, 13-11. Gynther finished the tournament with ten goals.
