INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY I ZOE ARANCINI

Australia has boasted one of the most recognisable women’s Olympic Teams, the Aussie Stingers, who captured the hearts and minds of the country when they won the first ever gold medal on offer at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Not only did they capture news fans, they inspired a new generation of women’s players and among those was Perth’s Zoe Arancini.

Like many involved in the sport, water polo for Arancini has been a family passion, with her mum also representing Australia. 

“My Dad has been a huge contributor to my career, coaching me technically and tactically one on one for many years. And Mum has been the voice of reason and provided insight into women's water polo, also encouraging, supporting, helping me in my water polo journey,” said Arancini.

Since being introduced to the sport by her parents, Arancini has gone on to earn more than 270 caps for Australia, competed at two Olympic Games and is now Captain of the Aussie Stingers. 

Being part of the Aussie Stingers squad over a long time, Arancini said the most noticeable shifts in water polo has been representation. 

“There are additional females on the board, coaching at all levels, various AIS and WPA projects that are focused on Women in Sport,” she said.

When it comes to the profile of the women’s game both domestically and internationally, along with bridging the gap, Arancini said there have been some noticeable changes. 

“The Tokyo Olympics (2021) saw the inclusion of two more women's teams and we also have seen live streaming of major international competitions such as Euro and LEN Cup for the women. 

“At home, Amanda Lulham [Journalist, News Corp Australia] was good at equally reporting on mens and womens water polo.

“I think the publicity and advertisement of women's sport in general has noticeably improved.

“There is more ongoing research and education into womens performance and health (i.e normal/abnormal menstrual cycles, body image and puberty) for athletes during different stages of their career.

“But an area I believe that still needs improvement is trying to maintain females participating in sports at all levels,” she said.

With just over 500 days to go until the Olympic Games in Paris, Arancini and her squad are busy preparing. 

She said her squad is very aware of the pioneers who helped advance the women’s game and the impact that has on her current squad. 

“The influence of all past Stingers in our sport has been significant and we respect everything they have achieved and accomplished.

“I'm very proud of how the Aussie Stingers conduct themselves in not just their daily training environments but in their other endeavors, such as study, work, community activities.

“The current leadership of the Aussie Stingers is about finding our identity, whilst respecting our previous legacies,” she said.