Simone Fountain (nee Hankin) delivered the ball of the century to Yvette Higgins to score the winning goal in the last 1.3 seconds in the inaugural women’s Olympic final against the United States of America in 2000, before a crowd of 17,000 spectators.
Simone Fountain became the third member of that Australian team to be inducted following Debbie Watson (2008) and Bridgette Gusterson (2017) and was the sole water polo inductee in the May induction ceremony at the Hall’s home in Fort Lauderdale, USA.
And what made the event so special for Fountain was that several of her mentors were in the crowd, including Leanne Barnes, who the night before was included in the ISHOF Aquatic Awards, presented by AquaCal, which were presented for outstanding service and contributions toward advancing the aquatic disciplines of competitive Swimming, diving, artistic swimming, water polo, recreational swimming and aquatic safety. Her former coach Ian Trent was also watching on.
Barnes, whose husband Dennis was in the crowd, was at the forefront of the push for women’s water polo’s inclusion in the Olympic Games.
Fountain was presented with her sash by recently retired five-time Olympian Felipe Perrone (ESP) who one day will probably be inducted.
He said of Simone: “It's a pleasure to be here, celebrating the highest honour in aquatic sport. There is nothing quite like representing a country. But what's better, winning gold for your country? And what's even better than that? Winning gold in your last international competition at an Olympics in your home country.
“At the 2000 Games in Sydney, Simone Fountain did just that. And she did it in front of her home crowd in the most dramatic way possible. And on top of it, played the final with a dislocated shoulder. Wow!
“For over a decade, Simone was one of the world's most dominant players. So, the security guy from the team at the 1998 World Championships in Perth — now her husband, Mike — her children, Charlie, Ava, Toby, myself, and the entire water polo community are all proud to introduce her as a member of the Hall of Fame, of Class 2026.
Simone Fountain’s Speech
“OK, I'm gonna try to get through this very short speech that I have. But I will let you in on a little secret. The assist that I gave to Yvette Higgins, with 1.3 seconds to go, was against the USA in the first ever (Olympic) women's water polo tournament. And, um…
“I guess what you maybe don't know, but you may have heard a little bit about determination across the last couple of days, but Yvette and I were the pests of the team. We would be the ones who would stay back at practice. Everyone else would shower and head to the bus. And we'd be the last two in the water. And we reimagined that moment; we imagined it through extra work, through thousands of repetitive moments of me passing that exact pass to Yvette, and her passing passes to me in my favourite position (centre forward).
“It just happens that with 1.3 seconds to go in that Olympic final, we made that moment happen, and it's history now. I want to thank the International Swimming Hall of Fame for this honour. I think it's a really common thing, that determination has been part of the last couple of nights, as well as people. And my journey was a product of my own determination, but also the determination of so many others; determination shown by the women who fought to get us included into the Olympic Games in 2000.
“For those of you that don't know, it was 100 years before women's water polo was included in the Olympics. Leanne Barnes is in the crown tonight. She was an amazing inspiration to all of us, so thanks, Leanne, for everything that you did for our sport. The determination of my team-mates across 12 years in the Australian team, especially those in the Sydney Olympics. They inspired me to be the best every day, and they inspired me to be the best I could be in the water, in that moment, in that second, to win the Olympic gold medal.
“The determination of my coaches, two of them — Bruce Falson and Istvan Gorgenyi — their guidance and confidence enabled my dreams to become reality. And, of course, the determination and support of my family.
“We're renowned for crying when we make speeches. My family, my mum and my dad, and my three brothers, who were in continued support throughout my career, and, as you heard tonight, my husband, Mike, and my children, Charlie, Ava and Tony. Congratulations to all the other inductees, and thank you so much for having me tonight, and I'm really, really proud. Thank you.”
Leanne Barnes — ISHOF Aquatic Award for Water Polo
“I was honoured to be nominated by Sandy Nitta, USA coach and previous awardee, and to be able to accept the award on behalf of so many who travelled the journey from across the world.
“It’s 50 years since the first selected Australian team toured; 40 years since the first official world championship title in Madrid and 26 years since the first Olympic Games gold medal.
“Earlier this year I shared stories and reflections with Pat Jones, a fearless campaigner and partner in crime. I also endeavoured to catch up with the USA’s Jane Hale but timing didn’t work. In 2028, we will have real gender equity with 12 women’s teams competing in Los Angeles.
“It was a blessing to have my family attend in Fort Lauderdale — daughter Amy’s first eight years of life were this journey. Also having Ian (former Australian women’s coach) and Sue Trent (former international), Marla Smith Cautilli and Simone and Mike Fountain made it very special. It was also humbling to experience the stories of the outstanding contributions of awardees in other categories.”
Other ISHOF Inductees
The Class of 2026 includes swimmers Nathan Adrian of the United States, László Cseh of Hungary and Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Netherlands; open water swimmer Ferry Weertman of the Netherlands; diver Tania Cagnotto of Italy; artistic swimmer Heather Simmons-Carrasco of the United States; Paralympic swimmer Beatrice Hess of France; Masters swimmer Rich Burns of the United States; contributor Stephen A. “Sid” Cassidy of the United States; and coach Jane Figueiredo of Zimbabwe/Russia/Great Britain.
Additionally, Ryan Lochte and coach Gregg Troy — both members of the International Swimming Hall of Fame Class of 2025 — were formally honoured during the 2026 induction ceremonies.