Our senior water polo players are getting older and more experienced as the years roll by. But they are still willing to don the bathers and contest the highest level World Aquatics can supply.
The World Aquatics Masters Championships have many 100+ swimming competitors and a vibrant water polo competition that has seen 75+ competition included in recent editions.
Now those 75+ water polo folk are 80+ and still willing to participate on the world stage.
The viability of an 80+ competition has yet to be decided but Australian and North American interests are trying to gain momentum for this age group of leviathans.
They are hoping that Japan and Germany and possibly Hungary, Great Britain and other water polo strongholds might like to become involved.
Perth Cockatoos and USA Blue Thunder have successfully competed in the older age groups at the Worlds since 2010, fielding teams across a range of age divisions.
In 2017, in Budapest, the Cockatoos became gold medallists in the inaugural 70+ age group competition and intend entering a team for the 80+ age division in the 2027 edition.
Multi-age-group Perth champion Bill Wallace said: “We already have several committed players, but we are looking for more men and women who still possess a sense of fun, camaraderie, adventure and the desire to be part of something remarkable,” he said.
“No elite background is required. It’s just a case of getting the word out there to give everyone a chance to participate.”
Teams have consisted of metropolitan, country and overseas players in the past with a variety of abilities while enthusiasm, commitment and team spirit matter most, he said.
Players would need to be 80+ as of 31 December 2027 with the championships being held on 11-17 July, 2027.
“In essence, this is a worldwide search for players willing to take on the challenge. It does not need to be club teams or even national teams. If anyone is interested, we will find a slot for you. An 80+ team competing internationally is genuinely memorable,” Wallace said.
United States of America is talking to eligible 80+ players now.
USA’s Bob Likins said: “If we end up with only two teams, no problem... play each other two or three or four times. If three teams, then a double round-robin. While winning is fun, at our ages we must play for fun — win, lose or draw.
“If there is one thing that doctors agree on, it is that continued exercise is a must for good health, so grab your swim suit.”
The chair of World Aquatics Masters Committee, Nadine Day (USA), said: “It was inspiring to see water polo teams with athletes over 75 years of age competing at the World Aquatics Masters Championships. Singapore made history as the first championship to feature three teams in the 75+ age group.
“The ability to play such a physically demanding sport at this age is a remarkable testament to the lifelong benefits of aquatic sports and active living.
“Providing opportunities for athletes to continue competing, regardless of age, reflects the true spirit of Masters aquatics. These athletes demonstrate that participation, fitness, camaraderie, and a passion for sport can continue well into later life.
“Their achievements serve as a powerful example of how aquatics promotes health, longevity, and quality of life across all generations,” Day said.
If you are interested, or know someone who is interested. then please contact Bill Wallace — bilwa2023@gmail.com — or Bob Likins — boblikins@cs.com — by 31 August, so you can be included in their planning.
Ed: Thanks to Gary Payne, 2025 International Masters Swimming of Fame Water Polo Inductee, for his pictures.