Changing of the guard for the FINA Technical Committee

There has been a changing of the guard on the FINA Technical Water Polo Committee with long standing member John Whitehouse stepping down and fellow Australian Don Cameron voted on to the Committee.

Cameron’s appointment was made at the recent FINA Bureau meeting in Lausanne, after Whitehouse announced a few months ago he would be stepping down from the Committee, leaving a position vacant.

Saluting John Whitehouse

John Whitehouse has served on the FINA Technical Committee since 1992, with his retirement from the role capping off a life time of service to water polo, both in Australia and internationally.

He was widely recognised as one of the best referee of his era, demonstrated when he was awarded the honour of referring the gold medal game in the 1988 Olympics, 1991 World Championships and referring the bronze medal game at the 1992 Olympics.

After retiring as a successful athlete across water polo, swimming and surf life saving, Whitehouse has dedicated his life to advancing water polo across numerous roles, which saw him named in the Water Polo Australia Hall of Fame.

Not only has Whitehouse been a valuable member of the FINA Technical Water Polo Committee since 1992, but he took up the role of Honorary Secretary in 1996, a role previously held by fellow Australian Peter Montgomery. This important position has been integral in the global development of water polo as well as securing Australia’s position and recognition on the international stage.

Olympian and former Australian Olympic Committee Vice President, Peter Montgomery said that Whitehouse contribution to water polo will be felt for decades to come.

“No-one has dedicated themselves to the advancement of water polo in Australia more than John Whitehouse,” he said.

Although Whitehouse has stepped down from the FINA Committee, his work in the sport continues at the domestic level in building the future of water polo, most recently he coached the Tasmanian Australian Country League Men’s Water Polo team.

Don Cameron takes the reigns

Olympian and former Australian Men’s Olympic Team Coach, Don Cameron’s appointment to the role of FINA Technical Water Polo Committee was made official at the recent FINA Bureau meetings.

Having already given so much to the sport, Cameron will now lend his knowledge and experience of game to the international stage as well as help promote Australia’s work in water polo.

Representing Australia at the 1988 Seoul Olympics in water polo, Cameron was also the Head Coach of the Aussie Sharks for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

His extensive experience as a sports administrator also saw him take on various strategic roles within the Australian Sports Commission and Australian Institute of Sport.

Cameron will bring to the role an extensive understanding of the high performance environment, both from an athlete and coaching perspective, as well in-depth knowledge of water polo.