FOUR players from Sydney Uni Women’s Water Polo Club will be representing Australia at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
The Australian Olympic Team today announced the 13 Stingers set for Rio. Among them, Sydney Uni Olympic debutants, Keesja Gofers, Hannah Buckling, Lea Yanitsas and Isobel Bishop.
USYD Bachelor of Applied Science (MRS) Diagnostic Radiography graduate, Nicola Zagame, was also successful in making the final cut to line up for her second Olympics.
“You’re going to Rio” confirmation came via a special phone call from the gold medal Sydney 2000 water polo team.
Many of the selected players took to social media to share their excitement, including Keesja Gofers who received the dream call from Olympic Champion, Bronwyn Smith.
“Today I book my ticket to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games! Hard work, belief and a high chlorine tolerance pays off! I am so proud to be selected among this group of exceptional women,” she said.
Keeping the family tradition alive, Gofers follows in the footsteps of her sister Taniele, who she cheered on 8 years ago at the Beijing Olympics.
The Australian Women’s Water Polo Team will head into the Rio Olympics ranked among the favourites, aiming to better their bronze medals from London and Beijing.
The Stingers will face Russia, Italy and Brazil in the preliminary Rio rounds and Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness will be cheering our Lions on every step of the way.
Congratulations to our Rio representatives:
Keesja Gofers – Elite Athlete Program alumnae; USYD – Bachelor of Design in Architecture (2011)
Hannah Buckling – Elite Athlete Program alumnae; USYD – Bachelor of Science (2014)
Isobel Bishop – Elite Athlete Program current member; Sydney University Women’s Water Polo Club
Lea Yanitsas – Sydney University Women’s Water Polo Club
Nicola Zagame – USYD Bachelor of Applied Science (MRS) Diagnostic Radiography awarded (2014)
