25.06.2008
The Australian Olympic women’s water polo team was announced at an official AOC dinner.
Brisbane’s Mel Rippon will captain the team with Western Australian goalkeeper Emma Knox named vice-captain.
Included in the side are five women from Queensland, six from New South Wales and two from Western Australia.
There are two sets of sisters in the time with Mel and Rebecca Rippon joined by step-sister Kate Gynther alongside Sydney siblings Mia and Jenna Santoromito.
Returning from the Athens Olympic team will be the Rippons and Gynther, Balmain Tigers’ Nikita Cuffe (Sydney University Athlete) and Emma Knox.
The team, ranked second in the world and the winner of the World Cup in 2006, is a strong contender for a medal in Beijing.
Head Coach Greg McFadden was adamant that the team would be returning home with the gold medal, he said at the official dinner, attended by sponsors, Australian Olympic officials, headed by Assistant Chef de Mission and dual Olympic champion Mike Wenden, and AWPI officials, led by President Peter Kerr.
Ryan Moar has played for the SU Men’s Waterpolo Club over the years and is the Assistant Coach for the Olympic team. Ryan did not study here but played with the Lions National League team from 1998-2003. In 2004 he coached a junior team for our club. Dr Grace Bryant is a SU Blue for Waterpolo and Netball and works on campus in the Sports Clinic. She is the Team Physician for the Olympics.
The team: (1)Gemma Beadsworth, (2)Nikita Cuffe (Sydney University Athlete), (3)Suzie Fraser, (4)Taniele Gofers (Sydney University Athlete), (5)Kate Gynther, (6)Amy Hetzel, (7)Bronwen Knox, (8)Emma Knox, (9)Alicia McCormack, (10)Melissa Rippon, (11)Rebecca Rippon, (12)Jenna Santoromito, (13)Mia Santoromito. Manager: (14)Jeanette Gunn. Head Coach: (15)Greg McFadden. Assistant Coaches: (16)Ryan Moar, (17)Aleks Osadchuk. Physio: Danealle Lilley. Doctor: Grace Bryant.
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