It is considered one of the toughest sports in the world. Olympic Gamesand the only ball sport in games played in the water.
Water polo is one of the oldest sports played at the Games, with the men’s competition having been part of the Games since 1900, while the women’s tournament only began in Sydney 2000.
The sport is played in a pool two metres deep (about 6.5 feet) and the player’s feet must not touch the bottom.
Both teams have seven players in the pool at any one time, and when they have the ball, players on one team must be swimming constantly and have 30 seconds to throw the ball.
The sport is known for its physical play and contact is allowed at any time, even when an athlete does not have the ball.
But splashing water in an opponent’s face, hitting him or interfering with a free throw are all considered fouls.
A match has four eight-minute quarters and the team with the highest score wins; ties are resolved by a penalty shoot-out.
Hungary is the most successful water polo country in Olympic history, with 17 medals, including nine golds and three consecutive ones in 2000, 2004 and 2008.
Great Britain won its first ever gold medal and has won four in total, but has not won gold since 1928 and has not finished higher than fourth since 1928.
The U.S. men’s team has won six medals in its history, but has never won gold. However, the U.S. women’s team has won medals at every Olympics since its inception and has won the last three gold medals before Paris 2024.