The grandstands in Fukuoka are packed with family and friends who have travelled from all around the globe to enjoy the spirit of aquatics and cheer on their sons, daughters, brothers and sisters as they compete for medals at the World Aquatics Championships. For some the ties are closer than that.
We call ourselves the Aqua Family. Not only are we like a worldwide family, but our particular disciplines contain brothers and sisters, husbands and wives and possibly parents as officials.
This is what being involved in aquatic sports is all about.
In water polo, there are many familial connections. Here are some that we have been able to trace. There may be many more.
Argentina-Italy — Brothers playing for different nations — Tomas Echenique playing for Argentina and Gonzalo Echenique turning out for Italy after previously having competed for Spain.
Argentina — Sisters Magali Bacigulpa and Anahi Bacigulpa have been making waves with the women’s team.
Australia — Brothers Lachlan Edwards and co-captain Blake Edwards compete in the Aussie Sharks team.
Greece — Three sisters on the one team (Main picture) — captain Margarita Plevritou, Eleftheria Plevritou and Vasiliki Plevritou.
Japan — Yusuke Inaba (above) plays for the men and sister Akari Inaba is captain of the women’s team.
Netherlands — Women’s players Bente Rogge and Lieke Rogge.
New Zealand — Women’s captain and goalkeeper Jessica Milicich and sister Gabrielle Milicich.
Spain — Sisters Ariadna Ruiz and Elena Ruiz (#7 above) in the women’s team.
United States of America — Chase Dodd and younger brother Ryder Dodd compete in the men’s team as do Quin Woodhead and Dylan Woodhead. A third member of the family, sister Ellen Woodhead, plays on the USA women’s team. Yes, Mom and Dad are here, too.
Editor’s note: Apologies if I have missed anyone.