The Australian Women’s Water Polo team has successfully secured their quota for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games following a second decisive victory over New Zealand in the Oceania Olympic Qualifying series.
In the lead-up to the Paris Games, the Aussie Stingers demonstrated their prowess by achieving consecutive wins in remarkable fashion. They clinched a commanding 17-3 victory on Friday, followed by another impressive performance with a triumph of 15-5 on Saturday evening.
Australia are the fourth women’s team to qualify for the women’s water polo tournament at the Olympic Games (see table below).
Photo: Jacob Sharkey
Having recently earned a commendable fourth-place finish at World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, this Oceania triumph will serve as a significant confidence boost for the Australian team as they continue their strategic preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Understanding that victory in this qualifier would secure their quota for the Paris Games, Australia promptly took the lead within the first minute and maintaining their dominant position throughout.This dominance was evident as the first quarter’s 4-1 lead was mirrored in the second, granting the Aussie Stingers an impressive 8-2 advantage at halftime.
Australia captain Zoe Arancini being honoured before the game after making her 300th appearance for the Stingers.
Although New Zealand displayed an enhanced defensive resolve following the break, Australia managed to slightly extend their lead by one point in the third quarter, maintaining a solid 11-4 lead.
The final quarter echoed the patterns of the earlier stages, with Australia once again outscoring New Zealand, ultimately sealing a resounding victory with a final score of 15-5.
Paris 2024 Olympic Qualification – Women’s Tournament
| Qualification | Date | Host | Berths | Qualified Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Host country | — | – | 1 | France |
| 2023 World Aquatics Championships | 16–29 July 2023 | Japan Fukuoka | 2 | Netherlands Spain |
| 2023 Oceanian Qualifier Series | 11 – 12 August 2023 | New Zealand Auckland | 1 | Australia |
| 2022 Asian Games | 23 September – 8 October 2023 | China Hangzhou | 1 | |
| 2023 Pan American Games | 22–28 October 2023 | Chile Santiago | 1 | |
| 2024 European Championships | 3–16 January 2024 | Israel Netanya | 1 | |
| 2024 World Aquatics Championships | 2–18 February 2024 | Qatar Doha | 2 | |
| 2024 World Aquatics Championships – Africa | TBC | TBC | 1 | |
| Total | 10 |
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