Water Polo Australia is saddened to learn of the passing of Edward “Ted” Peirce, a three-time Australian Olympian and one of the early figures who helped shape the foundations of our sport in this country.
Ted passed away on 25 May at the age of 92, leaving behind a remarkable legacy built on commitment, perseverance and pride in representing Australia on the world stage.
Born in Sydney on 3 July 1933, Ted first represented Australia at the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games. Competing on home soil as a 23-year-old, Ted was part of an Australian men’s water polo team taking on some of the world’s strongest and most established nations during a formative period for the sport in Australia.
Four years later, Ted earned selection again for the Rome 1960 Olympic Games, a tournament that featured the largest Olympic water polo field to date. Australia qualified through the Oceania region, and Ted once again represented his country against some of the sport’s leading international powers.
His third Olympic selection came at the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games, a selection that spoke volumes about both his ability and dedication to the sport. At 31 years of age, during an era with limited sports science and support structures compared with today, Ted again earned his place in the Australian team and proudly represented his country for a third consecutive Games.
Across his Olympic career, Ted competed against some of the world’s strongest water polo nations, including Yugoslavia, the Soviet Union, Romania, Great Britain, the Netherlands, South Africa and East Germany.
More importantly, his contribution extends beyond results or statistics.
Three Olympic Games. Three Australian teams. Three selections by the Australian Olympic Committee.
Ted was part of the generations that helped establish Australian water polo on the international stage, laying the groundwork for those who would follow. Through years of commitment and representing his country with pride, he played a role in building the sport’s foundations in Australia.
Australia has appeared in sixteen Olympic Games in water polo history, and Ted was part of three of the nation’s early campaigns, helping Australian water polo continue to grow and evolve on the world stage.
Water Polo Australia extends its sincere condolences to Ted’s family, friends, teammates and all who knew him.
We thank Ted for his contribution to our sport and honour his lasting legacy.
Vale Ted Peirce
