Three exceptional water polo athletes, Bronte Halligan, Sienna Hearn, and Tilly Kearns, are set to compete in the Paris Olympics, having started their journeys with the Sydney Northern Beaches Breakers and training at the Manly Swim Centre, Warringah Aquatic Centre, and Pymble Ladies College.
Bronte Halligan: A Legacy in the Making
Bronte Halligan, 27, was born in Crows Nest, NSW, and grew up in Manly. The daughter of rugby league legend Daryl Halligan, Bronte’s passion for sports was ignited early.
“I knew I wanted to be an athlete of some sort and represent my country when I watched dad play. It just motivates me even more,” Bronte said.
Bronte attended Stella Maris College in Manly and later furthered her water polo career and education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She made her debut for the Australian national team in 2014 at just 17 years old, quickly making a name for herself.
She represented Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Currently, Bronte plays professionally for Ekipe Orizzonte in Italy.
Sienna Hearn: The Power of Friendship
At 21, Sienna Hearn is already making waves in the water polo world. Born and raised on the Northern Beaches, Sienna’s journey began with friendships that led her to join the Sydney Northern Beaches Breakers at the age of seven.
Sienna made her senior national team debut in 2022 and is now part of the Stingers squad heading to the Paris 2024 Olympics. Currently playing for UTS Balmain Tigers, Sienna is also studying to become a school teacher.
Tilly Kearns: From Reluctance to Excellence
Tilly Kearns, 23, was born in Crows Nest, NSW, and raised in Sydney. Her initial foray into water polo was less than enthusiastic. However, her natural talent soon shone through, and she began to enjoy the sport.
Tilly’s impressive career includes competing in the 2016, 2017, and 2018 FINA World Junior Championships and playing for the University of Southern California (USC). She made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Community Impact and Future Goals
These athletes not only bring pride to their hometown but also inspire the next generation of water polo players.
Out of the pool, Bronte works as a strategy lead at Cerebral Palsy Australia, utilising her psychology and disability studies from UCLA. Meanwhile, Sienna is pursuing a career in teaching, and Tilly continues to be a prominent figure in international water polo competitions.
Paris 2024 Olympics: What You Need to Know
The Olympic Games, held every four years, epitomise global athletic excellence and camaraderie. Water polo, a dynamic and demanding sport that combines swimming, strategy, and teamwork, has been part of the Olympic program since the 1900s. As the Paris 2024 Olympics begin to unfold, here’s what you need to know about Australia’s water polo teams.
Australian Women’s Water Polo Team for 2024 Olympics
- Zoe Arancini
- Keesja Gofers
- Abby Andrews
- Elle Armit
- Bronte Halligan
- Tilly Kearns
- Gabi Palm
- Alice Williams
- Sienna Hearn
- Sienna Green
- Genevieve Longman
- Danijela Jackovich
- Charlize Andrew
Australian Men’s Water Polo Team for 2024 Olympics
- Nathan Power
- Blake Edwards
- Lachy Edwards
- Nic Porter
- Marcus Berehulak
- John Hedges
- Luke Pavillard
- Angus Lambie
- Charlie Negus
- Chaz Poot
- Jacob Mercep
- Matthew Byrnes
- Milos Maksimovic
The women’s team is nicknamed The Stingers and the men’s team is nicknamed The Sharks.
Australia’s Water Polo Achievements
The Australian women’s water polo team won Gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and Bronze at the 2012 London Olympics. The Australian men’s water polo team has never won an Olympic medal.
Men’s water polo made its Olympic debut at the Paris Games in 1900. However, it took until the 2000 Sydney Olympics for women’s water polo to be officially a part of the games.
Published 9-July-2024
