Richard Campbell

Fast Facts

Sport: Water Polo 
Event: Men
Olympic History: Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020
Year Born: 1987
Born: Newcastle, NSW

About Richie

Hailing from NSW, Richard Campbell is a triple Olympian and is a key member of the Aussie Sharks. He made his international debut at the 2005 Junior World Cup, where the Australian team finished in seventh place. 

In 2007, Richard was a member of the Australian side at the FINA World League Finals where the Aussies claimed the bronze medal. A year later he was off to his debut Olympic Games in Beijing 2008, as the youngest member of the men's water polo team. Richard played centre back at the Games, and scored 3 goals throughout the competition with Australia ultimately placing 8th. 

At the 2009 World University Games, Richard won gold for Australia and later that year finished tenth at the 2009 FINA World Championships. 

His second Olympic appearance in London, saw Richard score 8 goals for Australia. The Aussie team finished their 2012 campaign in seventh place. Four years later in Rio, he scored another 8 goals for Australia with the team finishing the event in ninth place. 

The veteran athlete made his first FINA World Cup podium in 2018, claiming the silver medal and a year later claiming bronze at the 2019 World League Super Final. 

With a career spanning over 12 years and almost 300 caps, Richard is certainly a key member of the Aussie Sharks. While at home, Richard plays for the UNSW Wests Magpies in the Australian National Water Polo League.

Richard made his fourth Olympic appearance at the delayed Tokyo 2020 games, once again competing in the men's water polo. Australia would face fierce competition in the group stages of the games, facing off against the likes of Spain, Croatia, and eventual gold medalists Serbia.

Campbell would be instrumental when Australia faced Croatia, scoring all three goals in their 11-8 victory. He would add another hattrick to his tally in Australia's opening game against Montenegro which would end in defeat 15-10.

After a tense group-stage Australia would narrowly miss out on progression to the quarter-finals, eliminating them from medal contention.