List of women's Olympic water polo tournament records and statistics
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Olympic water polo records and statistics |
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This is a list of records and statistics of the women's Olympic water polo tournament since the inaugural official edition in 2000.
Abbreviations[edit]
Rk | Rank | Ref | Reference | (C) | Captain |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pos | Playing position | FP | Field player | GK | Goalkeeper |
L/R | Handedness | L | Left-handed | R | Right-handed |
p. | page | pp. | pages |
General statistics[edit]
This is a summary of women's water polo at the Summer Olympics by tournament.
The following table shows winning teams, coaches and captains by tournament. Last updated: 31 March 2021.
- Legend
- Team – Olympic winning streak (winning three or more Olympic titles in a row)
- Team – Winning all matches during the tournament
- Team – Host team
- Team† – Defunct team
# | Women's tournament[1] | Winning team | Winning coach | Winning captain |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | — |
2 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
3 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
4 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
5 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
The following table shows top goalscorers, goalkeepers, sprinters and Most Valuable Players by tournament. Last updated: 31 March 2021.
Notes:
- Top goalscorer: the water polo player who scored the most goals in a tournament.
- Top goalkeeper: the water polo player who saved the most shots in a tournament.
- Top sprinter: the water polo player who won the most sprints in a tournament.
- Most Valuable Player: the water polo player who was named the Most Valuable Player of a tournament.
- Legend and abbreviation
- Team – Olympic winning streak
- Team – Winning all matches during the tournament
- Team – Host team
- Team† – Defunct team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with her team
- Eff % – Save efficiency (Saves / Shots)
Year[1] | Winning team | Top goalscorer (Goals) | Top goalkeeper (Saves, Eff %) | Top sprinter (Sprints won) | Most Valuable Player (Goals or Saves, Eff %) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2000 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | — |
2004 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
2008 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | — |
2012 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() |
2016 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Confederation statistics[edit]
Best performances by tournament[edit]
This is a summary of the best performances of each confederation in each tournament.[1] Last updated: 7 August 2021.
- Legend
- 1st – Champions
- 2nd – Runners-up
- 3rd – Third place
- 4th – Fourth place
- Q – Qualified for forthcoming tournament
Confederation | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Africa – CANA | — | — | — | — | — | 10th |
Americas – UANA | 2nd | 3rd | 2nd | 1st | 1st | 1st |
Asia – AASF | 6th | 8th | 5th | 5th | 7th | 8th |
Europe – LEN | 3rd | 1st | 1st | 2nd | 2nd | 2nd |
Oceania – OSA | 1st | 4th | 3rd | 3rd | 6th | 5th |
Total teams | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 10 |
All-time best performances[edit]
This is a summary of the best performances of each confederation at the Olympics.[1] Last updated: 15 January 2021.
- Legend
- Year* – As host team
Confederation | Best performance | Women's team |
---|---|---|
Africa – CANA | — | — |
Americas – UANA | 1st | ![]() |
Asia – AASF | 5th | ![]() |
Europe – LEN | 1st | ![]() ![]() |
Oceania – OSA | 1st | ![]() |
Team statistics[edit]
Comprehensive team results by tournament[edit]
Note: Results of Olympic qualification tournaments are not included. Last updated: 12 February 2024.
- Legend
- 1st – Champions
- 2nd – Runners-up
- 3rd – Third place
- 4th – Fourth place
- Q – Qualified for forthcoming tournament
- – Hosts
- Abbreviation
- stats – Olympic water polo team statistics
Africa – CANA (1 team) | ||||||||
Women's team[1] | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 | Years |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10th | WD | 1 | |||||
Americas – UANA (3 teams) | ||||||||
Women's team[1] | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 | Years |
![]() | 8th | 1 | ||||||
![]() | 5th | 7th | 7th | Q | 4 | |||
![]() | 2nd | 3rd | 2nd | 1st | 1st | 1st | Q | 7 |
Asia – AASF (3 teams) | ||||||||
Women's team[1] | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 | Years |
![]() | 5th | 5th | 7th | 8th | Q | 5 | ||
![]() | 9th | 1 | ||||||
![]() | 6th | 8th | 2 | |||||
Europe – LEN (9 teams) | ||||||||
Women's team[1] | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 | Years |
![]() | Q | 1 | ||||||
![]() | 8th | 1 | ||||||
![]() | 2nd | 8th | Q | 3 | ||||
![]() | 6th | 4th | 4th | 4th | 3rd | Q | 6 | |
![]() | 1st | 6th | 7th | 2nd | Q | 5 | ||
![]() | 4th | 1st | 6th | Q | 4 | |||
![]() | 4th | 1 | ||||||
![]() | 3rd | 5th | 7th | 6th | 3rd | 5 | ||
![]() | 2nd | 5th | 2nd | Q | 4 | |||
Oceania – OSA (1 team) | ||||||||
Women's team[1] | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 | Years |
![]() | 1st | 4th | 3rd | 3rd | 6th | 5th | Q | 7 |
Total teams | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 |
Number of appearances by team[edit]
The following table is pre-sorted by number of appearances (in descending order), year of the last appearance (in ascending order), year of the first appearance (in ascending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
- Legend and abbreviation
- Year* – As host team
- Apps – Appearances
- stats – Olympic water polo team statistics
Rk | Women's team[1] | Apps | Record streak | Active streak | Debut | Most recent | Best finish | Confederation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | 6 | 6 | 6 | 2000* | 2020 | Champions | Oceania – OSA |
![]() | 6 | 6 | 6 | 2000 | 2020 | Third place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 6 | 6 | 6 | 2000 | 2020 | Champions | Americas – UANA | |
4 | ![]() | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2004 | 2020 | Fourth place | Europe – LEN |
5 | ![]() | 4 | 4 | 0 | 2004 | 2016 | Champions | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2008* | 2020 | Fifth place | Asia – AASF | |
7 | ![]() | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2000 | 2020 | Fifth place | Americas – UANA |
![]() | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2000 | 2020 | Champions | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2012 | 2020 | Runners-up | Europe – LEN | |
10 | ![]() | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2000 | 2004 | Sixth place | Asia – AASF |
![]() | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2004* | 2008 | Runners-up | Europe – LEN | |
12 | ![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2012* | 2012* | Eighth place | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2016* | 2016* | Eighth place | Americas – UANA | |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2020* | 2020* | Ninth place | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2020 | 2020 | Tenth place | Africa – CANA | |
Rk | Women's team | Apps | Record streak | Active streak | Debut | Most recent | Best finish | Confederation |
Best finishes by team[edit]
The following table is pre-sorted by best finish (in descending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
- Legend and abbreviation
- Year* – As host team
- Apps – Appearances
- stats – Olympic water polo team statistics
Rk | Women's team[1] | Best finish | Apps | Confederation |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | Champions (2002, 2006) | 6 | Americas – UANA |
2 | ![]() | Champions (2000*) | 6 | Oceania – OSA |
![]() | Champions (2004) | 4 | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | Champions (2008) | 3 | Europe – LEN | |
5 | ![]() | Runners-up (2004*) | 2 | Europe – LEN |
![]() | Runners-up (2012) | 3 | Europe – LEN | |
7 | ![]() | Third place (2000, 2016) | 6 | Europe – LEN |
8 | ![]() | Fourth place (2008, 2012, 2016) | 5 | Europe – LEN |
9 | ![]() | Fifth place (2008*, 2012) | 4 | Asia – AASF |
10 | ![]() | Fifth place (2000) | 3 | Americas – UANA |
11 | ![]() | Sixth place (2000) | 2 | Asia – AASF |
12 | ![]() | Eighth place (2016*) | 1 | Americas – UANA |
![]() | Eighth place (2012*) | 1 | Europe – LEN | |
14 | ![]() | Ninth place (2020*) | 1 | Asia – AASF |
15 | ![]() | Tenth place (2020) | 1 | Africa – CANA |
Rk | Women's team | Best finish | Apps | Confederation |
Finishes in the top four[edit]
The following table is pre-sorted by total finishes in the top four (in descending order), number of Olympic gold medals (in descending order), number of Olympic silver medals (in descending order), number of Olympic bronze medals (in descending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
- Legend
- Year* – As host team
Rk | Women's team[1] | Total | Champions | Runners-up | Third place | Fourth place | First | Last |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | 6 | 3 (2012, 2016, 2020) | 2 (2000, 2008) | 1 (2004) | 2000 | 2020 | |
2 | ![]() | 4 | 1 (2000*) | 2 (2008, 2012) | 1 (2004) | 2000 | 2012 | |
3 | ![]() | 4 | 1 (2020) | 3 (2008, 2012, 2016) | 2008 | 2020 | ||
4 | ![]() | 2 | 1 (2004) | 1 (2016) | 2004 | 2016 | ||
5 | ![]() | 2 | 1 (2008) | 1 (2000) | 2000 | 2008 | ||
6 | ![]() | 2 | 2 (2012, 2020) | 2012 | 2020 | |||
7 | ![]() | 2 | 2 (2000, 2016) | 2000 | 2016 | |||
8 | ![]() | 1 | 1 (2004*) | 2004 | 2004 | |||
9 | ![]() | 1 | 1 (2020) | 2020 | 2020 | |||
Rk | Women's team | Total | Champions | Runners-up | Third place | Fourth place | First | Last |
Medal table[edit]
The following table is pre-sorted by number of Olympic gold medals (in descending order), number of Olympic silver medals (in descending order), number of Olympic bronze medals (in descending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
The United States is the most successful country in the women's Olympic water polo tournament, with three gold, two silver and one bronze.[1]
Rank | Women's team | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | 3 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
2 | ![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
3 | ![]() | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
4 | ![]() | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
5 | ![]() | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
6 | ![]() | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
7 | ![]() | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
8 | ![]() | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Totals (8 entries) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 18 |
Champions (results)[edit]
The following table shows results of Olympic champions in women's water polo by tournament. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
- Legend
- 6 – Winning 6 matches during the tournament
- 4 – Drawing 4 matches during the tournament
- 2 – Losing 2 matches during the tournament
- 100.0% – Winning all matches during the tournament
- Team – Olympic winning streak (winning three or more Olympic titles in a row)
- Team – Host team
- Abbreviation
- MP – Matches played
- W – Won
- D – Drawn
- L – Lost
- GF – Goals for
- GA – Goals against
- GD – Goals difference
- GF/MP – Goals for per match
- GA/MP – Goals against per match
- GD/MP – Goals difference per match
# | Women's tournament | Champions | MP | W | D | L | Win % | GF | GA | GD | GF/MP | GA/MP | GD/MP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | ![]() | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 85.7% | 46 | 29 | 17 | 6.571 | 4.143 | 2.429 |
2 | ![]() | ![]() | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 83.3% | 44 | 33 | 11 | 7.333 | 5.500 | 1.833 |
3 | ![]() | ![]() | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 66.7% | 57 | 53 | 4 | 9.500 | 8.833 | 0.667 |
4 | ![]() | ![]() | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 83.3% | 58 | 48 | 10 | 9.667 | 8.000 | 1.667 |
5 | ![]() | ![]() | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% | 73 | 32 | 41 | 12.167 | 5.333 | 6.833 |
6 | ![]() | ![]() | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 85.7% | 109 | 47 | 62 | 15.571 | 6.714 | 8.857 |
# | Women's tournament | Total | 38 | 32 | 1 | 5 | 84.2% | 387 | 242 | 145 | 10.184 | 6.368 | 3.816 |
Champions | MP | W | D | L | Win % | GF | GA | GD | GF/MP | GA/MP | GD/MP |
Sources:
- Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (p. 96), 2004 (p. 72), 2008 (p. 71), 2012 (p. 368), 2016 (p. 218), 2020 (p. 273);
- Olympedia: 2000–2020 (women's tournaments).
The following table shows women's teams that won all matches during the Olympic tournament.
# | Year | Champions | MP | W | D | L | Win % |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2016 | ![]() | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% |
The following tables show records of goals for per match.
|
|
Goals for per match | Achievement | Year | Champions | Date of winning gold | Duration of record |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
6.571 | Set record | 2000 | ![]() | 23 September 2000 | 3 years, 338 days |
7.333 | Broke record | 2004 | ![]() | 26 August 2004 | 3 years, 361 days |
9.500 | Broke record | 2008 | ![]() | 21 August 2008 | 3 years, 354 days |
9.667 | Broke record | 2012 | ![]() | 9 August 2012 | 4 years, 10 days |
12.167 | Broke record | 2016 | ![]() | 19 August 2016 | 4 years, 353 days |
15.571 | Broke record | 2020 | ![]() | 7 August 2021 | 2 years, 316 days |
The following tables show records of goals against per match.
|
|
The following tables show records of goals difference per match.
|
|
Champions (squads)[edit]
The following table shows number of players and average age, height and weight of Olympic champions in women's water polo by tournament. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
- Legend
- Team – Olympic winning streak
- Team – Winning all matches during the tournament
- Team – Host team
# | Women's tournament | Champions | Players | Returning Olympians | Average | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number | Number | % | Age | Height | Weight | |||
1 | ![]() | ![]() | 13 | 0 | 0.0% | 26 years, 215 days | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | 71 kg (157 lb) |
2 | ![]() | ![]() | 13 | 0 | 0.0% | 28 years, 301 days | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | 67 kg (148 lb) |
3 | ![]() | ![]() | 13 | 2 | 15.4% | 25 years, 248 days | 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) | 70 kg (154 lb) |
4 | ![]() | ![]() | 13 | 8 | 61.5% | 26 years, 96 days | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | 77 kg (170 lb) |
5 | ![]() | ![]() | 13 | 4 | 30.8% | 23 years, 200 days | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | 77 kg (170 lb) |
6 | ![]() | ![]() | 13 | 8 | 61.5% | 26 years, 33 days | 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in) | |
# | Women's tournament | Champions | Number | Number | % | Age | Height | Weight |
Players | Returning Olympians | Average |
Sources:
- Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (p. 96), 2004 (p. 73), 2008 (p. 72), 2012 (p. 369), 2016 (p. 219), 2020 (p. 274);
- Olympedia: 2000–2020 (women's tournaments).
The following tables show records of the number of returning Olympians.
|
|
The following tables show records of average age.
|
|
The following tables show records of average height.
|
|
Average height | Achievement | Year | Champions | Date of winning gold | Duration of record |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | Set record | 2000 | ![]() | 23 September 2000 | 11 years, 321 days |
1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Broke record | 2012 | ![]() | 9 August 2012 | 11 years, 314 days |
Tied record | 2016 | ![]() | 19 August 2016 |
The following tables show records of average weight.
|
|
Average weight | Achievement | Year | Champions | Date of winning gold | Duration of record |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
71 kg (157 lb) | Set record | 2000 | ![]() | 23 September 2000 | 11 years, 321 days |
77 kg (170 lb) | Broke record | 2012 | ![]() | 9 August 2012 | 11 years, 314 days |
Tied record | 2016 | ![]() | 19 August 2016 |
Olympic and world champions (teams)[edit]
Team records[edit]
Teams having equal quantities in the tables below are ordered by the tournament the quantity was attained in (the teams that attained the quantity first are listed first). If the quantity was attained by more than one team in the same tournament, these teams are ordered alphabetically. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
- Legend
- Year* – As host team
Appearances[edit]
- Most appearances
- 6, Australia, United States (have participated in every tournament).
- Most appearances, never winning a title
- 5, Russia (has participated in every tournament).
- Most appearances, never finishing in the top two
- 5, Russia (has participated in every tournament).
- Most appearances, never winning a medal
- 4, China (2008*, 2012, 2016, 2020).
- Most appearances, never finishing in the top four
- 4, China (2008*, 2012, 2016, 2020).
- Fewest appearances
- 1, Great Britain (2012*), Brazil (2016*), Japan (2020*), ROC (2020), South Africa (2020).
- Fewest appearances, winning a title
- 3, Netherlands (2008).
- Fewest appearances, finishing in the top two
- 2, Greece (2004*).
- Fewest appearances, winning a medal
- 2, Greece (2004*).
- Fewest appearances, finishing in the top four
- 2, Greece (2004*).
Top four[edit]
- Most titles won
- 3, United States (2012, 2016, 2020).
- Most second-place finishes
- 2, United States (2000, 2008), Spain (2012, 2020).
- Most third-place finishes
- 2, Australia (2008, 2012), Russia (2000, 2016).
- Most fourth-place finishes
- 3, Hungary (2008, 2012, 2016).
- Most finishes in the top two
- 5, United States (2000, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020).
- Most finishes in the top two, never winning a title
- 2, Spain (2012, 2020).
- Most finishes in the top three
- 6, United States (has been medaled in every tournament).
- Most finishes in the top three, never winning a title
- 2, Russia (2000, 2016), Spain (2012, 2020).
- Most finishes in the top three, never finishing in the top two
- 2, Russia (2000, 2016).
- Most finishes in the top four
- 6, United States (has finished in the top four in every tournament).
- Most finishes in the top four, never winning a title
- 4, Hungary (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020).
- Most finishes in the top four, never finishing in the top two
- 4, Hungary (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020).
- Most finishes in the top four, never winning a medal
- 1, ROC (2020).
- Fewest finishes in the top two, winning a title
- 1, Australia (2000*), Netherlands (2008).
- Fewest finishes in the top three, winning a title
- 1, Netherlands (2008).
- Fewest finishes in the top three, finishing in the top two
- 1, Greece (2004*), Netherlands (2008).
- Fewest finishes in the top four, winning a title
- 2, Netherlands (2000, 2008), Italy (2004, 2016).
- Fewest finishes in the top four, finishing in the top two
- 1, Greece (2004*).
- Fewest finishes in the top four, winning a medal
- 1, Greece (2004*).
Consecutive[edit]
- Most consecutive titles won
- 3, United States (2012–2016–2020).
- Most consecutive second-place finishes
- None.
- Most consecutive third-place finishes
- 2, Australia (2008–2012).
- Most consecutive fourth-place finishes
- 3, Hungary (2008–2012–2016).
- Most consecutive finishes in the top two
- 4, United States (2008–2012–2016–2020).
- Most consecutive finishes in the top three
- 6, United States (has been medaled in every tournament).
- Most consecutive finishes in the top four
- 6, United States (has finished in the top four in every tournament).
- Most consecutive appearances
- 6, Australia, United States (have participated in every tournament).
- Biggest improvement in position in consecutive tournaments
- Did not participate/qualify, then won the title, Italy (2000–2004), Netherlands (2004–2008).
Gaps[edit]
- Longest gap between successive titles
- None.
- Longest gap between successive second-place finishes
- 9 years, Spain (2012, 2020).
- Longest gap between successive third-place finishes
- 16 years, Russia (2000, 2016).
- Longest gap between successive fourth-place finishes
- None.
- Longest gap between successive appearances in the top two
- 12 years, Italy (2004–2016).
- Longest gap between successive appearances in the top three
- 16 years, Russia (2000–2016).
- Longest gap between successive appearances in the top four
- 16 years, Russia (2000–2016).
- Longest gap between successive appearances
- 17 years, Canada (2004–2020).
Debuting teams[edit]
- Best finish by a debuting team
- Champions, Australia (2000*), Italy (2004).
- Worst finish by a debuting team
- 10th position (last position), South Africa (2020).
Host teams[edit]
- Best finish by host team
- Champions: Australia (2000*).
- Worst finish by host team
- 9th position, Japan (2020*).
- Best finish by last host team
- 4th position, Australia (2004).
- Worst finish by last host team
- Did not participate/qualify, Great Britain (2016), Brazil (2020).
- Worst finish by last host team that participates in the tournament
- 8th position (last position), Greece (2008).
- Had its best performance as hosts
- Champions, Australia (2000*).
Runners-up, Greece (2004*).
5th position, China (2008*).
8th position, Great Britain (2012*), Brazil (2016*).
9th position, Japan (2020*). - Had its worst performance as hosts
- 8th position, Great Britain (2012*), Brazil (2016*).
9th position, Japan (2020*).
Defending champions[edit]
- Best finish by defending champions
- Champions, United States (2016, 2020).
- Worst finish by defending champions
- Did not participate/qualify, Netherlands (2012).
- Worst finish by defending champions that participates in the next tournament
- 6th position, Italy (2008).
Defending runners-up[edit]
- Best finish by defending runners-up
- Champions, United States (2012).
- Worst finish by defending runners-up
- Did not participate/qualify, Italy (2020).
- Worst finish by defending runners-up that participates in the next tournament
- 8th position (last position), Greece (2008).
Population[edit]
- Most populous country, participant
- China (2020), 1,411,099,000 (source)
- Least populous country, participant
- Hungary (2020), 9,750,000 (source)
- Most populous country, hosts
- China (2008*), 1,324,655,000 (source)
- Least populous country, hosts
- Greece (2004*), 10,955,000 (source)
- Most populous country, champions
- United States (2020), 331,449,000 (source)
- Least populous country, champions
- Netherlands (2008), 16,446,000 (source)
- Most populous country, runners-up
- United States (2008), 304,375,000 (source)
- Least populous country, runners-up
- Greece (2004*), 10,955,000 (source)
- Most populous country, third place
- United States (2004), 293,046,000 (source)
- Least populous country, third place
- Hungary (2020), 9,750,000 (source)
- Most populous country, fourth place
- Australia (2004), 19,895,000 (source)
- Least populous country, fourth place
- Hungary (2016), 9,830,485 (source)
Player statistics[edit]
Age records[edit]
The following tables show the oldest and youngest players who competed in women's water polo at the Summer Olympics, and the oldest and youngest female Olympic medalists in water polo. Last updated: 12 August 2021.
- Legend
- Team – Host team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with her team
Appearance
Record | Age of the first Olympic water polo match | Player | Women's team | Pos | Date of birth | Date of the first Olympic water polo match | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oldest Olympic debutante | 41 years, 150 days | Camila Pedrosa | ![]() | FP | 12 March 1975 | 9 August 2016 | [2] |
Youngest female Olympian | 16 years, 104 days | Paula Leitón | ![]() | FP | 27 April 2000 | 9 August 2016 | [3] |
Record | Age of the last Olympic water polo match | Player | Women's team | Pos | Date of birth | Date of the last Olympic water polo match | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oldest female Olympian | 41 years, 160 days | Camila Pedrosa | ![]() | FP | 12 March 1975 | 19 August 2016 | [2] |
Medalist
Record | Age of winning the last Olympic gold/silver/bronze medal in water polo | Player | Women's team | Pos | Date of birth | Date of receiving the last Olympic gold/silver/bronze medal in water polo | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oldest female Olympic gold medalist | 36 years, 348 days | Gillian van den Berg‡ | ![]() | FP | 8 September 1971 | 21 August 2008 | [4] |
Oldest female Olympic silver medalist | 39 years, 183 days | Maureen O'Toole | ![]() | FP | 24 March 1961 | 23 September 2000 | [5] |
Oldest female Olympic bronze medalist | 33 years, 153 days | Gabriella Szűcs | ![]() | FP | 7 March 1988 | 7 August 2021 | [6] |
Record | Age of winning the first Olympic gold/silver/bronze medal in water polo | Player | Women's team | Pos | Date of birth | Date of receiving the first Olympic gold/silver/bronze medal in water polo | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Youngest female Olympic gold medalist | 17 years, 170 days | Aria Fischer‡ | ![]() | FP | 2 March 1999 | 19 August 2016 | [7] |
Youngest female Olympic silver medalist | 16 years, 282 days | Elena Ruiz | ![]() | FP | 29 October 2004 | 7 August 2021 | [8] |
Youngest female Olympic bronze medalist | 19 years, 22 days | Maria Borisova | ![]() | FP | 28 July 1997 | 19 August 2016 | [9] |
Multiple appearances (four-time Olympians)[edit]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/Heather_Petri.jpg/170px-Heather_Petri.jpg)
The following table is pre-sorted by number of Olympic appearances (in descending order), year of the last Olympic appearance (in ascending order), year of the first Olympic appearance (in ascending order), date of birth (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
Eight female athletes competed in water polo at four or more Olympic Games between 2000 and 2020 inclusive.
- Legend
- – Hosts
- Apps – Appearances
Apps | Player | Birth | Height | Women's team | Pos | Water polo tournaments | Period (age of first/last) | Medals | Ref | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | G | S | B | T | ||||||||
4 | Heather Petri | 1978 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ![]() | FP | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 12 years (22/34) | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | [10] | |
Sofia Konukh | 1980 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | ![]() | FP | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 12 years (20/32) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | [11] | ||
Brenda Villa | 1980 | 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) | ![]() | FP | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 12 years (20/32) | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | [12] | ||
Tania Di Mario | 1979 | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | ![]() | FP | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 12 years (25/37) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | [13] | ||
Bronwen Knox | 1986 | 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) | ![]() | FP | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 13 years (22/35) | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | [14] | ||
Nadezhda Glyzina | 1988 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | ![]() | FP | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 13 years (20/33) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | [15] | |||
![]() | FP | 2020 | ||||||||||||||
Evgenia Soboleva | 1988 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ![]() | FP | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 13 years (19/32) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | [16] | |||
![]() | FP | 2020 | ||||||||||||||
Ekaterina Prokofyeva | 1991 | 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) | ![]() | FP | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 13 years (17/30) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | [17] | |||
![]() | FP | 2020 | ||||||||||||||
Apps | Player | Birth | Height | Women's team | Pos | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Period (age of first/last) | G | S | B | T | Ref |
Water polo tournaments | Medals |
Multiple medalists[edit]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9f/Brenda_Villa_-_Olympic_Medal_winner_at_ALMA_Awards_%28cropped%29.jpg/170px-Brenda_Villa_-_Olympic_Medal_winner_at_ALMA_Awards_%28cropped%29.jpg)
The following table is pre-sorted by total number of Olympic medals (in descending order), number of Olympic gold medals (in descending order), number of Olympic silver medals (in descending order), year of receiving the last Olympic medal (in ascending order), year of receiving the first Olympic medal (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
Heather Petri and Brenda Villa, both representing the United States, are the only two female athletes to win four Olympic medals in water polo.[10][12]
- Legend
- – Hosts
Rk | Player | Birth | Height | Women's team | Pos | Water polo tournaments | Period (age of first/last) | Medals | Ref | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | G | S | B | T | ||||||||
1 | Heather Petri | 1978 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ![]() | FP | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 12 years (22/34) | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | [10] | |
Brenda Villa | 1980 | 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) | ![]() | FP | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 12 years (20/32) | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | [12] |
Sources:
- Sports Reference: Athlete Medal Leaders (1900–2016);
- Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (p. 28), 2004 (p. 2), 2008 (p. 2), 2012 (p. 285), 2016 (p. 135), 2020 (p. 156).
Multiple gold medalists[edit]
The following table is pre-sorted by number of Olympic gold medals (in descending order), number of Olympic silver medals (in descending order), number of Olympic bronze medals (in descending order), year of receiving the last Olympic gold medal (in ascending order), year of receiving the first Olympic gold medal (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
Two female athletes won three or more Olympic gold medals in water polo. They were both members of the United States women's national water polo team that won three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 2012, 2016 and 2021.
- Legend
- – Hosts
Rk | Player | Birth | Height | Women's team | Pos | Water polo tournaments | Period (age of first/last) | Medals | Ref | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | G | S | B | T | ||||||||
1 | Melissa Seidemann | 1990 | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | ![]() | FP | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 9 years (22/31) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | [18] | ||
Maggie Steffens | 1993 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | ![]() | FP | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 9 years (19/28) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | [19] |
Top goalscorers (one match)[edit]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/68/Roser_Tarrag%C3%B3.jpg/170px-Roser_Tarrag%C3%B3.jpg)
The following table is pre-sorted by date of the match (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 1 April 2021.
Three female water polo players have each scored seven goals in an Olympic match.
The first woman to do so was Daniëlle de Bruijn, with the Netherlands women's national team in Beijing on 21 August 2008. She netted seven goals in the gold medal match, helping the Dutch team win the Olympics.[20]
The most recent female player to do so was Roser Tarragó, with Spain women's national team in Rio de Janeiro on 19 August 2016.[21]
- Legend and abbreviation
- – Player's team drew the match
- – Player's team lost the match
- Team – Host team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with her team
- G – Goals
- aet – After extra time
- pso – Penalty shootout
# | G | Player | Birth | Age | Height | L/R | For | Result | Against | Tournament | Round | Date | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 7 | Daniëlle de Bruijn‡ | 1978 | 30 | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) | Left | ![]() | 9–8 | ![]() | Beijing 2008 | Gold medal match | 21 Aug 2008 | [20] |
2 | 7 | Maggie Steffens‡ | 1993 | 19 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | ![]() | 14–13 | ![]() | London 2012 | Preliminary round Group A | 30 Jul 2012 | [22] |
3 | 7 | Roser Tarragó | 1993 | 23 | 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in) | Right | ![]() | 12–10 | ![]() | Rio 2016 | 5th–6th place match | 19 Aug 2016 | [21] |
The following table shows the historical progression of the record of goals scored by a female water polo player in a single Olympic match. Last updated: 1 April 2021.
- Legend
- Team – Host team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with his team
Goals | Achievement | Year | Player | Age | Height | L/R | Women's team | Date | Duration of record | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 | Set record | 2004 | Kyriaki Liosi | 24 | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | Right | ![]() | 26 August 2004 | 3 years, 361 days | [23] |
Tied record | 2008 | Kate Gynther | 26 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | Right | ![]() | 17 August 2008 | [24] | ||
7 | Broke record | 2008 | Daniëlle de Bruijn‡ | 30 | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) | Left | ![]() | 21 August 2008 | 15 years, 302 days | [20] |
Tied record | 2012 | Maggie Steffens‡ | 19 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | ![]() | 30 July 2012 | [22] | ||
Tied record | 2016 | Roser Tarragó | 23 | 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in) | Right | ![]() | 19 August 2016 | [21] |
Top goalscorers (one tournament)[edit]
The following table is pre-sorted by number of goals (in descending order), edition of the Olympics (in ascending order), number of matches played (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 12 August 2021.
Seven female players have scored 18 or more goals in an Olympic water polo tournament.
At the 2020 Summer Olympics, Dutch left-hander Simone van de Kraats scored 28 goals, setting the record for the most goals scored by a female water polo player in a single Olympic tournament.
Maggie Steffens of the United States is the first and only female water polo player to achieve this feat twice. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, Steffens netted 21 goals. Nine years later, she scored 18 goals in Tokyo.
- Legend
- Team – Host team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with her team
Rk | Year | Player | Birth | Age | Height | L/R | Goals | Matches played | Goals per match | Women's team | Finish | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2020 | Simone van de Kraats | 2000 | 20 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Left | 28 | 7 | 4.000 | ![]() | 6th of 10 teams | [25] |
2 | 2012 | Maggie Steffens‡ | 1993 | 19 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | 21 | 6 | 3.500 | ![]() | 1st of 8 teams | [19] |
3 | 2012 | Ma Huanhuan | 1990 | 22 | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | Right | 19 | 6 | 3.167 | ![]() | 5th of 8 teams | [26] |
4 | 2012 | Tania Di Mario | 1979 | 33 | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Right | 18 | 6 | 3.000 | ![]() | 7th of 8 teams | [27] |
2020 | Maddie Musselman‡ | 1998 | 23 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Right | 18 | 7 | 2.571 | ![]() | 1st of 10 teams | [28] | |
2020 | Beatriz Ortiz | 1995 | 26 | 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) | Right | 18 | 7 | 2.571 | ![]() | 2nd of 10 teams | [29] | |
2020 | Maggie Steffens‡ (2) | 1993 | 28 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | 18 | 7 | 2.571 | ![]() | 1st of 10 teams | [19] | |
Rk | Year | Player | Birth | Age | Height | L/R | Goals | Matches played | Goals per match | Women's team | Finish | Ref |
Source:
- Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (pp. 96–101), 2004 (p. 53), 2008 (p. 54), 2012 (p. 345), 2016 (p. 193), 2020 (p. 234).
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/Danielle-de-bruijn-1344286670.jpg/170px-Danielle-de-bruijn-1344286670.jpg)
The following table is pre-sorted by edition of the Olympics (in ascending order), number of matches played (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 12 August 2021.
At 19 years old, Maggie Steffens of the United States made her Olympic debut at the 2012 London Olympics, where she was the youngest-ever female top goalscorer with 21 goals. She was also the top goalscorer at the 2016 Rio Olympics, with 17 goals.
Dutch left-handed player Daniëlle de Bruijn was the joint top goalscorer at the 2000 Olympics, with 11 goals. Eight years later she netted 17 goals, including seven goals in the gold medal match, becoming the top goalscorer at the 2008 Olympics.
- Legend
- Team – Host team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with her team
Year | Player | Birth | Age | Height | L/R | Goals | Matches played | Goals per match | Women's team | Finish | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2000 | Daniëlle de Bruijn | 1978 | 22 | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) | Left | 11 | 7 | 1.571 | ![]() | 4th of 6 teams | [30] |
Bridgette Gusterson‡ | 1973 | 27 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Right | 7 | 1.571 | ![]() | 1st of 6 teams | [31] | ||
Sofia Konukh | 1980 | 20 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | 7 | 1.571 | ![]() | 3rd of 6 teams | [32] | ||
2004 | Tania Di Mario‡ | 1979 | 25 | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Right | 14 | 6 | 2.333 | ![]() | 1st of 8 teams | [27] |
2008 | Daniëlle de Bruijn‡ (2) | 1978 | 30 | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) | Left | 17 | 6 | 2.833 | ![]() | 1st of 8 teams | [30] |
2012 | Maggie Steffens‡ | 1993 | 19 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | 21 | 6 | 3.500 | ![]() | 1st of 8 teams | [19] |
2016 | Maggie Steffens‡ (2) | 1993 | 23 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | 17 | 6 | 2.833 | ![]() | 1st of 8 teams | [19] |
2020 | Simone van de Kraats | 2000 | 20 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Left | 28 | 7 | 4.000 | ![]() | 6th of 10 teams | [25] |
Source:
- Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (pp. 96–101), 2004 (p. 53), 2008 (p. 54), 2012 (p. 345), 2016 (p. 193), 2020 (p. 234).
The following table shows the historical progression of the record of goals scored by a female water polo player in a single Olympic tournament. Last updated: 12 August 2021.
- Legend
- Team – Host team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with her team
Goals | Achievement | Year | Player | Age | Height | L/R | Women's team | Date | Duration of record | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 | Set record | 2000 | Daniëlle de Bruijn | 22 | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) | Left | ![]() | 23 September 2000 | 3 years, 338 days | [30] |
Bridgette Gusterson‡ | 27 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Right | ![]() | [31] | |||||
Sofia Konukh | 20 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | ![]() | [32] | |||||
14 | Broke record | 2004 | Tania Di Mario‡ | 25 | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Right | ![]() | 26 August 2004 | 3 years, 361 days | [27] |
17 | Broke record | 2008 | Daniëlle de Bruijn‡ (2) | 30 | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) | Left | ![]() | 21 August 2008 | 3 years, 354 days | [30] |
21 | Broke record | 2012 | Maggie Steffens‡ | 19 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | ![]() | 9 August 2012 | 8 years, 363 days | [19] |
28 | Broke record | 2020 | Simone van de Kraats | 20 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Left | ![]() | 7 August 2021 | 2 years, 316 days | [25] |
Top goalscorers (all-time)[edit]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Kate_Gynther_%281%29.jpg/170px-Kate_Gynther_%281%29.jpg)
The following table is pre-sorted by number of total goals (in descending order), number of total Olympic matches played (in ascending order), date of the last Olympic match played (in ascending order), date of the first Olympic match played (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
Three-time Olympian Maggie Steffens of the United States holds the record for the most goals scored by a female water polo player in Olympic history, with 56 goals.[33]
Italian Tania Di Mario netted 47 goals at four Olympics (2004–2016).[27]
Ma Huanhuan, representing China, holds the record for the most goals scored by an Asian female water polo player in Olympic history, with 37 goals at three Olympics (2008–2016).[26]
Kate Gynther of Australia netted 30 goals in 32 matches between 2004 and 2012.[34]
- Legend
- – Hosts
Rk | Player | Birth | Height | L/R | Women's team | Total goals | Total matches played | Goals per match | Tournaments (goals) | Period (age of first/last) | Medals | Ref | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | G | S | B | T | |||||||||||
1 | Maggie Steffens | 1993 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | ![]() | 56 | 19 | 2.947 | 2012 (21) | 2016 (17) | 2020 (18) | 9 years (19/28) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | [33] | |
2 | Tania Di Mario | 1979 | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Right | ![]() | 47 | 23 | 2.043 | 2004 (14) | 2008 (10) | 2012 (18) | 2016 (5) | 12 years (25/37) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | [27] |
3 | Ma Huanhuan | 1990 | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | Right | ![]() | 37 | 17 | 2.176 | 2008 (7) | 2012 (19) | 2016 (11) | 8 years (18/26) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | [26] | |
4 | Sofia Konukh | 1980 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | ![]() | 31 | 22 | 1.409 | 2000 (11) | 2004 (9) | 2008 (7) | 2012 (4) | 12 years (20/32) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | [32] |
5 | Brenda Villa | 1980 | 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) | Right | ![]() | 31 | 23 | 1.348 | 2000 (9) | 2004 (7) | 2008 (9) | 2012 (6) | 12 years (20/32) | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | [35] |
6 | Kate Gynther | 1982 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | Right | ![]() | 30 | 17 | 1.765 | 2004 (7) | 2008 (13) | 2012 (10) | 8 years (22/30) | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | [34] |
Source:
- Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (pp. 96–101), 2004 (p. 53), 2008 (p. 54), 2012 (p. 345), 2016 (p. 193).
The following table shows the historical progression of the record of total goals scored by a female water polo player at the Summer Olympics. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
- Legend
- Team – Host team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with her team
Total goals | Achievement | Year | Player | Age | Height | L/R | Women's team | Date | Duration of record | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 | Set record | 2004 | Sofia Konukh | 24 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | ![]() | 26 August 2004 | 3 years, 361 days | [32] |
28 | Broke record | 2008 | Daniëlle de Bruijn | 30 | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) | Left | ![]() | 21 August 2008 | 3 years, 354 days | [30] |
42 | Broke record | 2012 | Tania Di Mario | 33 | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Right | ![]() | 9 August 2012 | 4 years, 10 days | [27] |
47 | Broke record | 2016 | Tania Di Mario (2) | 37 | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Right | ![]() | 19 August 2016 | 4 years, 353 days | [27] |
56 | Broke record | 2020 | Maggie Steffens | 28 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | ![]() | 7 August 2021 | 2 years, 316 days | [33] |
Top goalkeepers (one match)[edit]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/Alicia_McCormack_%281%29.jpg/170px-Alicia_McCormack_%281%29.jpg)
The following table is pre-sorted by date of the match (in ascending order), name of the goalkeeper (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 1 April 2021.
Five female water polo goalkeepers have each saved fifteen or more shots in an Olympic match.
The first woman to do so was Patrícia Horváth, with Hungary women's national team in Beijing. She blocked 19 shots on 11 August 2008, setting the record for the most shots saved by a female water polo goalkeeper in a single Olympic match.
The most recent female goalkeeper to do so was Yang Jun, with China women's national team in Rio de Janeiro on 19 August 2016.
- Legend and abbreviation
- – Player's team drew the match
- – Player's team lost the match
- Team – Host team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with her team
- aet – After extra time
- pso – Penalty shootout
- ORB – Official Results Books
# | Saves | Goalkeeper | Birth | Age | Height | For | Result | Against | Tournament | Round | Date | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 19 | Patrícia Horváth | 1977 | 30 | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | ![]() | 11–9 | ![]() | Beijing 2008 | Preliminary round Group B | 11 Aug 2008 | ORB 2008 (p. 17) |
2 | 15 | Alicia McCormack | 1983 | 25 | 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in) | ![]() | 8–9 | ![]() | Semi-finals | 19 Aug 2008 | ORB 2008 (p. 35) | |
3 | 16 | Elena Gigli | 1985 | 27 | 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) | ![]() | 4–7 | ![]() | London 2012 | Preliminary round Group B | 1 Aug 2012 | ORB 2012 (p. 302) |
4 | 15 | Tess Oliveira | 1987 | 29 | 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) | ![]() | 4–11 | ![]() | Rio 2016 | Classification round 5th–8th place | 17 Aug 2016 | ORB 2016 (p. 170) |
5 | 16 | Yang Jun | 1988 | 28 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ![]() | 10–5 | ![]() | 7th–8th place match | 19 Aug 2016 | ORB 2016 (p. 178) |
The following table shows the historical progression of the record of shots saved by a female water polo goalkeeper in a single Olympic match. Last updated: 1 April 2021.
- Legend
- Team – Host team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with her team
- ORB – Official Results Books
Saves | Achievement | Year | Goalkeeper | Age | Height | Women's team | Date | Duration of record | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 | Set record | 2000 | Bernice Orwig | 23 | 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) | ![]() | 18 September 2000 | 3 years, 337 days | ORB 2000 (p. 114) |
14 | Broke record | 2004 | Jacqueline Frank | 24 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ![]() | 20 August 2004 | 3 years, 357 days | ORB 2004 (p. 24) |
19 | Broke record | 2008 | Patrícia Horváth | 30 | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | ![]() | 11 August 2008 | 15 years, 312 days | ORB 2008 (p. 17) |
Top goalkeepers (one tournament)[edit]
The following table is pre-sorted by number of saves (in descending order), edition of the Olympics (in ascending order), number of matches played (in ascending order), name of the goalkeeper (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 1 April 2021.
Six female goalkeepers have saved 50 or more shots in an Olympic water polo tournament.
Giulia Gorlero of Italy holds the record for the most saves by a female water polo goalkeeper in a single Olympic tournament, blocking 65 shots in the 2016 edition.
At the 2016 Summer Games, Ashleigh Johnson saved 51 shots, including nine in the gold medal match, helping the American team win the Olympics. She is the most efficient one among these six goalkeepers.
- Legend and abbreviation
- Team – Host team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with her team
- MP – Matches played
- Eff % – Save efficiency (Saves / Shots)
- 64.6% – Highest save efficiency
Rk | Year | Goalkeeper | Birth | Age | Height | Saves | Shots | Eff % | MP | Saves per match | Women's team | Finish | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2016 | Giulia Gorlero | 1990 | 25 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | 65 | 106 | 61.3% | 6 | 10.833 | ![]() | 2nd of 8 teams | [36] |
2 | 2012 | Elena Gigli | 1985 | 27 | 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) | 56 | 105 | 53.3% | 6 | 9.333 | ![]() | 7th of 8 teams | [37] |
3 | 2016 | Yang Jun | 1988 | 28 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | 55 | 118 | 46.6% | 6 | 9.167 | ![]() | 7th of 8 teams | [38] |
4 | 2012 | Rosemary Morris | 1986 | 26 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | 54 | 113 | 47.8% | 6 | 9.000 | ![]() | 8th of 8 teams | [39] |
5 | 2012 | Elizabeth Armstrong‡ | 1983 | 29 | 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) | 53 | 101 | 52.5% | 6 | 8.833 | ![]() | 1st of 8 teams | [40] |
6 | 2016 | Ashleigh Johnson‡ | 1994 | 21 | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) | 51 | 79 | 64.6% | 6 | 8.500 | ![]() | 1st of 8 teams | [41] |
Source:
- Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (pp. 96–101), 2004 (p. 49), 2008 (p. 50), 2012 (p. 341), 2016 (p. 195).
The following table is pre-sorted by edition of the Olympics (in ascending order), number of matches played (in ascending order), name of the goalkeeper (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 1 April 2021.
At the 2004 Summer Games, Jacqueline Frank saved 41 shots, including seven in the bronze medal match, helping the United States win the match.
Giulia Gorlero of Italy blocked 65 shots at the 2016 Olympics, helping the Italian team win the Olympic silver medal.
- Legend and abbreviation
- Team – Host team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with her team
- MP – Matches played
- Eff % – Save efficiency (Saves / Shots)
Year | Goalkeeper | Birth | Age | Height | Saves | Shots | Eff % | MP | Saves per match | Women's team | Finish | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2000 | Karla Plugge | 1968 | 31 | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) | 45 | 81 | 55.6% | 7 | 6.429 | ![]() | 4th of 6 teams | [42] |
2004 | Jacqueline Frank | 1980 | 24 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | 41 | 68 | 60.3% | 5 | 8.200 | ![]() | 3rd of 8 teams | [43] |
2008 | Elizabeth Armstrong | 1983 | 25 | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) | 49 | 92 | 53.3% | 5 | 9.800 | ![]() | 2nd of 8 teams | [40] |
2012 | Elena Gigli | 1985 | 27 | 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) | 56 | 105 | 53.3% | 6 | 9.333 | ![]() | 7th of 8 teams | [37] |
2016 | Giulia Gorlero | 1990 | 25 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | 65 | 106 | 61.3% | 6 | 10.833 | ![]() | 2nd of 8 teams | [36] |
Source:
- Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (pp. 96–101), 2004 (p. 49), 2008 (p. 50), 2012 (p. 341), 2016 (p. 195).
The following table shows the historical progression of the record of shots saved by a female water polo goalkeeper in a single Olympic tournament. Last updated: 1 April 2021.
- Legend
- Team – Host team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with her team
Saves | Achievement | Year | Goalkeeper | Age | Height | Women's team | Date | Duration of record | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
45 | Set record | 2000 | Karla Plugge | 31 | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) | ![]() | 23 September 2000 | 7 years, 333 days | [42] |
49 | Broke record | 2008 | Elizabeth Armstrong | 25 | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) | ![]() | 21 August 2008 | 3 years, 354 days | [40] |
56 | Broke record | 2012 | Elena Gigli | 27 | 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) | ![]() | 9 August 2012 | 4 years, 10 days | [37] |
65 | Broke record | 2016 | Giulia Gorlero | 25 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ![]() | 19 August 2016 | 7 years, 304 days | [36] |
Top goalkeepers (all-time)[edit]
The following table is pre-sorted by number of total saves (in descending order), number of total Olympic matches played (in ascending order), date of the last Olympic match played (in ascending order), date of the first Olympic match played (in ascending order), name of the goalkeeper (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 1 April 2021.
Yang Jun of China holds the record for the most shots saved by a female water polo goalkeeper at the Olympics, with 138 saves at three Olympics (2008–2016).
Elizabeth Armstrong, representing the United States, blocked 102 shots at two Olympics (2008–2012).
- Legend
- – Hosts
Rk | Goalkeeper | Birth | Height | Women's team | Total saves | Total matches played | Saves per match | Tournaments (saves) | Period (age of first/last) | Medals | Ref | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | G | S | B | T | ||||||||||
1 | Yang Jun | 1988 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ![]() | 138 | 17 | 8.118 | 2008 (39) | 2012 (44) | 2016 (55) | 8 years (20/28) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | [38] |
2 | Elizabeth Armstrong | 1983 | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) | ![]() | 102 | 11 | 9.273 | 2008 (49) | 2012 (53) | 4 years (25/29) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | [40] |
Source:
- Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (pp. 96–101), 2004 (p. 49), 2008 (p. 50), 2012 (p. 341), 2016 (p. 195).
The following table shows the historical progression of the record of total shots saved by a female water polo goalkeeper at the Summer Olympics. Last updated: 1 April 2021.
- Legend
- Team – Host team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with her team
Total saves | Achievement | Year | Goalkeeper | Age | Height | Women's team | Date | Duration of record | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
53 | Set record | 2008 | Georgia Ellinaki | 34 | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in) | ![]() | 21 August 2008 | 3 years, 354 days | [44] |
102 | Broke record | 2012 | Elizabeth Armstrong‡ | 29 | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) | ![]() | 9 August 2012 | 4 years, 10 days | [40] |
138 | Broke record | 2016 | Yang Jun | 28 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ![]() | 19 August 2016 | 7 years, 304 days | [38] |
Top sprinters (one tournament)[edit]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/JenniferPareja2013.jpg/170px-JenniferPareja2013.jpg)
The following table is pre-sorted by number of sprints won (in descending order), edition of the Olympics (in ascending order), number of sprints contested (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 13 August 2021.
Four female players have won 20 or more sprints in an Olympic water polo tournament.
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Vanda Vályi won 27 sprints, helping Hungary win bronze. She is the most efficient one among these four sprinters.
- Legend and abbreviation
- Team – Host team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with his team
- Eff % – Efficiency (Sprints won / Sprints contested)
- 96.4% – Highest efficiency
Rk | Year | Sprinter | Birth | Age | Height | Sprints won | Sprints contested | Eff % | Women's team | Finish | Note | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2020 | Vanda Vályi | 1999 | 21 | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) | 27 | 28 | 96.4% | ![]() | 3rd of 10 teams | [45] | |
2 | 2004 | Kyriaki Liosi | 1979 | 24 | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | 21 | 23 | 91.3% | ![]() | 2nd of 8 teams | [46] | |
3 | 2012 | Kate Gynther | 1982 | 30 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | 21 | 24 | 87.5% | ![]() | 3rd of 8 teams | [47] | |
2012 | Jennifer Pareja | 1984 | 28 | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in) | 21 | 24 | 87.5% | ![]() | 2nd of 8 teams | [48] |
Source:
- Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (p. 102), 2004 (p. 52), 2008 (p. 53), 2012 (p. 344), 2016 (p. 192).
The following table is pre-sorted by edition of the Olympics (in ascending order), number of sprints contested (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 13 August 2021.
Kate Gynther, captain of the Australia women's national team, and Jennifer Pareja, captain of the Spain women's national team, were the joint top sprinters at the 2012 London Olympics.
At the 2020 Summer Olympics, Hungarian Vanda Vályi won 27 sprints, setting the record for the most sprints won by a female water polo player in a single Olympic tournament.
- Legend and abbreviation
- Team – Host team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with his team
- Eff % – Efficiency (Sprints won / Sprints contested)
Year | Sprinter | Birth | Age | Height | Sprints won | Sprints contested | Eff % | Women's team | Finish | Note | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2000 | Tatiana Petrova | 1973 | 27 | 1.62 m (5 ft 4 in) | 16 | 22 | 72.7% | ![]() | 3rd of 8 teams | [49] | |
2004 | Kyriaki Liosi | 1979 | 24 | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | 21 | 23 | 91.3% | ![]() | 2nd of 8 teams | [46] | |
2008 | Wang Yi | 1987 | 21 | 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in) | 18 | 19 | 94.7% | ![]() | 5th of 8 teams | [50] | |
2012 | Kate Gynther | 1982 | 30 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | 21 | 24 | 87.5% | ![]() | 3rd of 8 teams | [47] | |
Jennifer Pareja | 1984 | 28 | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in) | 24 | 87.5% | ![]() | 2nd of 8 teams | [48] | |||
2016 | Rachel Fattal‡ | 1993 | 22 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | 17 | 23 | 73.9% | ![]() | 1st of 8 teams | [51] | |
2020 | Vanda Vályi | 1999 | 21 | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) | 27 | 28 | 96.4% | ![]() | 3rd of 10 teams | [45] |
Source:
- Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (p. 102), 2004 (p. 52), 2008 (p. 53), 2012 (p. 344), 2016 (p. 192).
The following table shows the historical progression of the record of sprints won by a female water polo player in a single Olympic tournament. Last updated: 13 August 2021.
- Legend
- Team – Host team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with his team
Sprints won | Achievement | Year | Sprinter | Age | Height | Women's team | Date | Duration of record | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
16 | Set record | 2000 | Tatiana Petrova | 27 | 1.62 m (5 ft 4 in) | ![]() | 23 September 2000 | 3 years, 338 days | [49] |
21 | Broke record | 2004 | Kyriaki Liosi | 24 | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | ![]() | 26 August 2004 | 19 years, 297 days | [46] |
Tied record | 2012 | Kate Gynther | 30 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | ![]() | 9 August 2012 | [47] | ||
Tied record | 2012 | Jennifer Pareja | 28 | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in) | ![]() | 9 August 2012 | [48] | ||
27 | Broke record | 2020 | Vanda Vályi | 21 | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) | ![]() | 7 August 2021 | 2 years, 316 days | [45] |
Top sprinters (all-time)[edit]
The following table is pre-sorted by number of total sprints won (in descending order), number of total sprints contested (in ascending order), year of the last Olympic appearance (in ascending order), year of the first Olympic appearance (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 15 May 2021.
Australian Kate Gynther holds the record for the most sprints won by a female water polo player at the Olympics, with 39 sprints won at three Olympics (2004–2012).
Wang Yi of China won 35 sprints in two Olympic tournaments between 2008 and 2012.
- Legend and abbreviation
- – Hosts
- Eff % – Efficiency (Sprints won / Sprints contested)
Rk | Sprinter | Birth | Height | Women's team | Total Sprints won | Total Sprints contested | Eff % | Water polo tournaments (sprints won / contested) | Period (age of first/last) | Medals | Ref | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | G | S | B | T | ||||||||||
1 | Kate Gynther | 1982 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | ![]() | 39 | 58 | 67.2% | 2004 (5/8) | 2008 (13/26) | 2012 (21/24) | 8 years (22/30) | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | [47] | ||
2 | Wang Yi | 1987 | 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in) | ![]() | 35 | 47 | 74.5% | 2008 (18/19) | 2012 (17/28) | 4 years (21/25) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | [50] |
Source:
- Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (p. 102), 2004 (p. 52), 2008 (p. 53), 2012 (p. 344), 2016 (p. 192).
The following table shows the historical progression of the record of total sprints won by a female water polo player at the Summer Olympics. Last updated: 15 May 2021.
- Legend
- Team – Host team
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with his team
Total Sprints won | Achievement | Year | Sprinter | Age | Height | Women's team | Date | Duration of record | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
21 | Set record | 2004 | Kyriaki Liosi | 24 | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | ![]() | 26 August 2004 | 3 years, 357 days | [46] |
28 | Broke record | 2008 | Kyriaki Liosi | 28 | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | ![]() | 17 August 2008 | 3 years, 358 days | [46] |
39 | Broke record | 2012 | Kate Gynther | 30 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | ![]() | 9 August 2012 | 11 years, 314 days | [47] |
All-star teams by tournament[edit]
This is a summary of women's Olympic all-star teams by tournament. Last updated: 1 April 2021.
- Legend and abbreviation
- Player‡ – Player who won the tournament with her team
- LH – Left-handed
- Eff % – Save efficiency (Saves / Shots)
Year | Most Valuable Player | All-star team | Ref | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2004 | ![]() Tania Di Mario‡ Right side player 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Goalkeeper | ![]() | [52] | |
Field players | ![]() | ![]() | |||
![]() | ![]() | ||||
![]() | ![]() | ||||
2008 | — | Goalkeeper | ![]() | [53] | |
Field players | ![]() | ![]() | |||
![]() | ![]() | ||||
![]() | ![]() | ||||
2012 | ![]() Maggie Steffens‡[54] Left side player 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Goalkeeper | ![]() | [55] [56] | |
Field players | ![]() | ![]() | |||
![]() | ![]() | ||||
![]() | ![]() | ||||
2016 | ![]() Maggie Steffens‡ (2)[54] Left side player 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Goalkeeper | ![]() | [57] | |
Field players | ![]() | ![]() | |||
![]() | ![]() | ||||
![]() | ![]() | ||||
Year | Most Valuable Player | All-star team | Ref |
Olympic and world champions (players)[edit]
Olympic champion families[edit]
Coach statistics[edit]
Most successful coaches[edit]
The following table is pre-sorted by total number of Olympic medals (in descending order), number of Olympic gold medals (in descending order), number of Olympic silver medals (in descending order), year of winning the last Olympic medal (in ascending order), year of winning the first Olympic medal (in ascending order), name of the coach (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 31 March 2021.
There are three coaches who led women's national water polo teams to win two or more Olympic medals.
Guy Baker guided the United States women's national team to three Olympic medals in a row between 2000 and 2008.[58][59]
Adam Krikorian coached the United States women's national team to two consecutive Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016.[60][59]
Greg McFadden led Australia women's national team to win two consecutive Olympic bronze medals in 2008 and 2012.[61]
- Legend
- – Hosts
Rk | Head coach | Nationality | Birth | Age | Women's team | Tournaments (finish) | Period | Medals | Ref | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | G | S | B | T | ||||||||
1 | Guy Baker | ![]() | ![]() | 2000 (2nd) | 2004 (3rd) | 2008 (2nd) | 8 years | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | [58] [59] | ||
2 | Adam Krikorian | ![]() | 1974 | 38–42 | ![]() | 2012 (1st) | 2016 (1st) | 4 years | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | [60] [59] | |
3 | Greg McFadden | ![]() | 1964 | 43–51 | ![]() | 2008 (3rd) | 2012 (3rd) | 2016 (6th) | 8 years | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | [62] [61] |
Medals as coach and player[edit]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Australian_Institute_of_Sport_coaches_-_Istvan_Gorgenyi.jpg/170px-Australian_Institute_of_Sport_coaches_-_Istvan_Gorgenyi.jpg)
The following table is pre-sorted by total number of Olympic medals (in descending order), number of Olympic gold medals (in descending order), number of Olympic silver medals (in descending order), year of winning the last Olympic medal (in ascending order), year of winning the first Olympic medal (in ascending order), name of the person (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 31 March 2021.
As of 2016, two water polo players won Olympic medals and then guided women's national water polo teams to the Olympic podium as head coaches.
With the Hungary men's national water polo team, István Görgényi won a silver medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. He was appointed head coach of the Australia women's national team in 1998. At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, he led the team to win the inaugural women's water polo gold medal.[63][64]
Spanish water polo player Miki Oca won a silver medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Four years later, he won a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. As a head coach, he guided Spain women's national water polo team to a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics.[65]
- Legend
- Year* – As host team
Rk | Person | Birth | Height | Player | Head coach | Total medals | Ref | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Age | Men's team | Pos | Medal | Age | Women's team | Medal | G | S | B | T | |||||
1 | Miki Oca | 1970 | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) | 22–26 | ![]() | FP | 1992* ![]() ![]() | 42 | ![]() | 2012 ![]() | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | [65] |
2 | István Görgényi | 1946 | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) | 25 | ![]() | FP | 1972 |