1954: The Champions of Sao Paolo

The team of Sao Paolo, Champion of Brazil in 1954.
Source: Centro Pró-Memória Hans Nobiling, Esporte Clube Pinheiros; courtesy Cristina F. Mattos

1963, Sao Paolo: The golden team of Brazil

The National team of Brazil winner of gold medal of the 4th Pan American Games held at Sao Paolo, Brazil in 1963. (USA finished second and Argentina third).
The team: Adhemar Grijó Filho, Aladar Szabo, Flávio Ribeiro Ratto, Ivo Carotini, João Gonçalves Filho, Luiz Carlos A. Valim, Luiz Daniel, Luiz Euardo P. Lima, Marvio Kelly dos Santos, Paulo Carotini.
Source: Centro Pró-Memória Hans Nobiling, Esporte Clube Pinheiros; courtesy Cristina F. Mattos

1933: The Champions of "TURMA F.P.N", Brazil

The team of "TURMA da F.P.N" Champions of Brazil in 1933.

Source: Centro Pró-Memória Hans Nobiling, Esporte Clube Pinheiros; courtesy Cristina F. Mattos

1960's: The National team of Brazil

The National team of Brazil in early 60's. Standing L-R: Flávio Ratto, Luiz Daniel, Henry Sanson, Rolf Kestener, Hilton de Almeida. Seating L-R: Marvio Kelly, Edson Perri, João Gonçalves, Thomaz Alterthum, Hilton de Castro, Everardo.
Source: Centro Pró-Memória Hans Nobiling, Esporte Clube Pinheiros; courtesy Cristina F. Mattos

Zdravko-Ciro Kovacic: The great goalie of the 50's

Zdravko-Ćiro Kovačić, one of the best goalkeepers of the 50’s was born in Sibenik, Yugoslavia (now Croatia) in 1925. He participated with the Yugoslavian National at London, 1948 Olympic Games and won the silver medal at both Helsinki, 1952 and Melbourne, 1956 Olympic Games. At Helsinki Kovačić has been acclaimed as "Best Goalkeeper" of the Olympic Water Polo tournament. He was member of the Yugoslavian team at the European Championships of Monte Carlo 1947, Vienna (1950, bronze) and Torino, 1954 (silver). Zdravko-Ćiro Kovačić played 87 matches for the Yugoslavian National team and resumed his career in 1957.

Source: Lo Sport Illustrato; 17 January 1952

Ivo Stakula: The great defender of the 50's

Ivo Štakula, born in 1921, was a remarkable defensive player of Mornar Split and VK Jug Dubrovnik, who played with the Yugoslavian National team from 1936 to 1956. He participated in the 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games, winning the silver medal at Helsinki, 1952 and Melbourne, 1956 Olympics.
Ivo Stakula was awarded the FINA Medal in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Staying in Melbourne, Australia after the 1956 Olympics he played waterpolo for Melbourne in 1957 and 1958 until he passed away in the pool on the 26th October 1958. The Melbourne Waterpolo then named the best player trophy the "Ivo Stakula Trophy" after him.
Source: Lo Sport Illustrato, 17 January 1952 - commented by Goran Stakula (son)

1988: The Champions of Pescara

The team of Pescara winner of the 1988 European Water polo Cup for National Champions. The team: Ballerini, D'Altrui, Rapini, Estiarte, Pomilio, Salonia, Bertazzoli, Papa, Malara, Montanaro, Battinelli, Di Fulvio and Mundula. Standing in the middle is the coach Ivo Trumbic and at the right the great Manager of the team Gabriele Pomilio.
Source: private collection

1970: CM Marseille wins again

The team of "Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille" winners of the 6th National title in 1970. The players: Remy Coulomb, Daniel Grimaldi, Jean-Pierre Moine, Jean-Yves Moines, Pierre Audon, Victor Nataf, Jacques Delambre, Alain Flouret, Rene Bretones, Gerard Mari, Luc Morel. Missing fron the picture the coach Victor Debard. Standing third from left is the President of CNM Albert Vahouni.
Source: http://victordebard.free.fr/

1967: The winners of C.N.Marseille

The team of "Cercle des Nageures de Marseille"- "CNM", winners of the third consecutive title in 1967. First for left is the legendary coach Victor Debard. The team: Jacques Leenknecht, Jacques Delambre, Henri Vidil, Jean-Pierre and Jean-Yves Moines, Daniel Grimaldi, Jean-Luc Vanacker, Jean-Pierre Matteoni,, Alex Jany, Bertrand Laville, Pierre Audon, Jean-Luc Vanacker.
Source: http://victordebard.free.fr/

1951: The team of Chevalier Roze, Marseille

The team of "Chevalier Roze Sport" - "CRS" of Marseille in 1951. Seating, second for left, is the goalie Victor Debard and standing, third from left, the legendary French swimmer and Water polo player Alex Jany.
Source: http://victordebard.free.fr/

1948: The team of Chevalier Roze, Marseille

The team of "Chevalier Roze Sport" - "CRS" of Marseille in 1948. Seating second for left is the legendary goalkeeper and future winner coach of the "Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille" Victor Debard.
Source: http://victordebard.free.fr/

Andras Bodnar in action

Andras Bodnar has been one of the best Hungarian players of the 60's, who among various distinctions and International competitions competed to four Olympic Games: 1960, 1964 (gold), 1968 (silver) and 1972 (silver).

Source: private collection

Peter Montgomery: The captain of Australia

Peter Montgomery has been one of the best Australian players of the 70’s-80‘s. He represented Australia in four Olympic Games: 1972, 1976, 1980 and 1984 and four World Championships: 1973, 1975, 1978 and 1982. He has played 510 international matches for Australia and has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal.
Source: http://mosmanis.info/

1978: The team of Australia

The Australian National team at the International tournament of Heidenheim in 1978. The players: Robert Bryan, Robert Edwards, Jim Gerritzen, Randall Golf, Andrew Kerr, Peter Kerr, Ross Langdon, Jack Lusic, Peter Montgomery, David Neesham, Charles Turner, Michael Turner, Paul Williams. First from left the coach Tom Hoad.
Source: official program Heidenheim 1978

1978: The team of Yugoslavia

The team of Yugoslavia during the International tournament of Heidenheim in 1978. The players: Milorad Krivokapic, Dubravko Stanicic, Dusko Sredanovic, Zoran Roje, Veselin Markovic, Zoran Mustur, Stanko Zlokovic, Damir Polic, Zoran Gopcevic, Zoran Kacic, Dorde Popovic, Zoran Druzeic, Mirsad Galijas

Source: official program Heidenheim 1978, courtesy of Mirsad Galijas

1978: The team of Greece

The National team of Greece at Heidenheim International tournament in 1978. The players: Sotiris Stathakis, Kyriakos Giannopoulos, Miltos Elefteriadis, Taso Papaioanou, Spyros Capralos, Yiannis Garyfallos, Marcelo Sitarenios, Andonis Aronis, Yiannis Giannouris and Dimitris Kouvegetopoulos.
Source: official program Heidenheim 1978

1978: The draw for Berlin Word Championships

Picture of the draw procedures for the Berlin 1978, World Championships. The draw took place at the town hall of Heidenheim July 1978, in presence of representatives of all 16 participating teams.
Source: official program Heidenheim 1978

1978: The team of Soviet Union

The USSR team at the Heidenheim International tournament in 1978. The players: Scharonov, Sobtchenko, Akimov, Gorschkov, Sidorejev, Griscin, Garganov, Grigorjev, Tschishu, Kotenko, Kabanov.
Source: official program Heidenheim 1978

1978: The team of Hungary

The team of Hungary winners of the International tournament of Heidenheim in 1978. The players: Molnar, Farago, Csapo, Szivos, Horkai, Sudar, Magas, Somossy, Felete, Kunncz, Lakatos, Kenez. Standing at the left is the coach Dezso Gyarmati.
Source: Official program Heidenheim 1978

1978: The team of Germany

The National team of Germany at the International tournament of Heidenheim in 1978. The players: Frank Blumlein, Roland Freund, Robert Jobst, Gunther Kilian, Horst Kilian, Wolfrang Mechler, Thomas Loebb, Frank Otto, Dieter Rauscher, Peter Roele, Jurgen Stiefer, Bernd Weyer. Standing at the right is the coach Niko Firoiu and the Manager Bodo Hollemann.

Source: Official program Heidenheim 1978

1978: The team of Spain

The National team of Spain at the International tournament of Heidenheim, Germany in 1978. The players: Manuel Delgado, Gaspar Ventura, Joan Sans, Juan Jane, Manuel Estiarte, Pere Robert, Jaume Fite, Pepe Alcazar, Antoni Torres, Jordi Carmona, Jian Marimon. Seating at the right is the coach of the team Josep Brasco.
Source: official program Heidenheim tournament 1978

1978: The team of Netherlands

The National team of Netherlands during the International tournament of Heidenheim, Germany 1978. The team: Alex Boeschoten, Jan Middendrorp, Ed van Es, Tommy Bunk, Gus Strober, Dick Nieuwenhuisen, Aad Mil, Wim Keman, Ilco Schaick, Johan Antjes, Ruud Misdorp, Maarten Varkenvisscher. At the right is standing the coach Ivo Trumbic.

Source: Official program Heidenheim tournament 1978.

Peter Rusoran: The legend of Vasas, Budapest

The legendary Hungarian player of the 60's and winner coach of "Vasas Budapest" Peter Rusoran in action.

Source: private collection

Dario Bardi: The Champion from Florence

Dario Bardi, player of Rari Nantes Florentia, Italy and winner of gold medal in Rome 1960 Olympic Games. He played in Tokyo 1964 Olympics and several International competitions as well. Following his great career he moved overseas and coached the teams of New York Athletic Club, USA and Pineiro of Sao Paolo, Brazil.
Source: private collection

1927, Bologna: The first Bureau of L.E.N

The first "Bureau" members of the "Ligue Europeenne de Natation" - "L.E.N." that has been established during the European Championships in Bologna in 1927.

From L-R: Binner (Germany), E.G. Drigny (France), Bergvall (Sweden), Donath (Hungary) and Hodson (England).

First duties of L.E.N has been the organization of European Championships, the elaboration of the records archive and in view of the Amsterdam 1928 Olympic Games the first swimming competition (4X200 meters per team) between Europe and America.

Source: Le miroir des Sports 1927

1927: The team of Paris

A selection of Water Polo players of the city of Paris who played against the team of Gant, Belgium in 1927. The Paris players won with 4-0. From L-R: Zurfluh, Smits, A.Fasani, Brasier, Thevenon, Carment.
Source: Le miroir de Sport 1927

1927: The winners of E.N.Tourcoing

Another picture of the team of "Enfants de Neptune de Tourcoing" winner of the 1927 French Championship. From L-R: Padou, Dujardin, Tribouillet, Delberghe, Vandevenne, Deborgies and Cuvellier.
Source: Le miroir des sports 1927

1927: S.C.U.F against C.N.Nice

Match for the 1927 French Championship between the teams of "Sporting Club Universitaire Francais" and "Cercle des nageurs de Nice". The goalie of "C.N.Nice" Martin ready to stop a shot.
Source: Le miroir des Sports 1927

1927, Bologna: Arne Borg, the legend of Sweden

The legendary Swedish swimmer and Water polo player of the 20's, Arne Borg during the Bologna 1927 European Championships. At his left is the President of FINA M. Bergwall and at his right the Mayor of Bologna M. Arpinati. Borg won with the Water Polo team of Sweden the silver medal at the 1st European Championships in Budapest 1926.
Source: Le miroir des Sports 1927

1927, Bologna: The silver French Team

The team of France that won the silver medal at the 2nd European Championships in Bologna, Italy in 1927. Hungary was the winner of the Water Polo competition. Among the players and several swimmers there are: Weill, Dujardin, Vandevenne, Deborgies, Padou, Delberghe, Bullet, Vanzeveren, Klein, Carmen, Mrs. Stoffel, Mrs. Ledoux, Horrent, Roty, Lenormand, Mrs. Nougaret, Taris, Vallerey, Mrs. Savolon, Cuvellier, Tribouillet and Vandeplanke.
Source: Le miroir des Sports 1927

1927, Bologna: Poster of the European Champs

Poster of the 2nd European Swimming and Water Polo Championships held in Bologna, Italy in 1927.

Source: private collection

1927: Hungary vs France in Budapest

Action shot during the friendly International match between the National teams of Hungary and France held at the "Nautical Stadium of Budapest" in 1927. Hungary won the game with 9-2.
Source: Le miroir des Sports 1927

1927: Strasbourg vs Nice

Action during the match for the 1927 French Championship between the teams of "Strasbourg" and "Nice". "The goalie of "Strasbourg" Roth in action".
Source: Le miroir des Sports 1927

1927: E.N.Tourcoing vs S.C.U.F

Action during the match for the 1927 French Championship between the teams of "Enfants de Neptune se Tourcoing" and "Sporting Club Universitaire Francais". "The goalie of S.C.U.F Vagner while saving a shot".
Source: Le miroir des Sports 1927

1967: Water Polo book by Charles Hines

Book "How to play and teach Water Polo" written by Charles Hines, published in USA in 1967.
Source: personal collection

1927: The Champions of E.N.Tourcoing

The French Champions "Enfants de Neptune de Tourcoing" who played against the "Hellas Magdeburg" in Paris 1927. From L-R: Padou, Cuvelier, Vandevenne, Delberghe, Tribouillet, Deborgies, Dujardin (goalie and captain).
Source: Le miroir des Sports 1927

1927: E.N.Tourcoing vs Hellas Magdebourg

Another photo of the game held in Paris 1927 between the French team "Enfants de Neptune de Tourcoing" and "Hellas of Magdebourg" Champion of Germany.

Source: Le miroir de Sports 1927

1927: E.N.Tourcoing vs Hellas Magdebourg

Action during a match of the "Enfants de Neptune de Tourcoing" of France and the German team of "Hellas Magdebourg in Paris 1927. "The French player Vandevenne, with blue cap, scores a goal despite the effort of the German goalie Haueisen.

Source: Le miroir des Sports 1927.

1927: Rhein Stadion, Dusseldorf

The outdoor pool of "Rhein Stadion" in Dusseldorf, Germany with a Water Polo field in 1927.
Source: Le miroir des Sports 1927

1927: The players of S.C.U.F and Leipzig

The players of S.C.U.F (Sporting Club Univesitaire de France) and Leipzig (Germany) in 1927. The players of S.C.U.F are with stripped swimming suites.
Source: Le miroir des Sports 1927

1927: Erich Rademacher with Heni Bouvier

The legendary German player of "Hellas Magdeburg" Erich Rademacher with the French player of "S.C.U.F" Henri Bouvier following an International match held in Magdebourg, Germany in 1927.

Source: Le miroir des sports 1927

1927: The team of S.C.U.F, France

The team of S.C.U.F (Sporting Club Universitaire de France) in 1927. The players: Mathen, Gruaz, Smiths, Antoine Fasani, Armand Fasani, Vagner and Martin.
Source: Le miroir des Sports 1927.

1938: King Farouk at a Water Polo match

The King of Egypt Farouk, as President of the National Sports Committee, throws the ball as starting signal of a Water Polo match at the “National Sporting Club of Zamalek” in 1938. Source: http://www.egyptedantan.com/

1946: E.N.Tourcoing vs Toulouse

The goalie of "T.O.E.C Toulouse" Debonnet in action during the match of the 1946 French Championship between the teams of Enfants de Neptune de Tourcoing and T.O.E.C.
Source: Miroir Sprint; 12 August 1946

1946: E.N.Tourcoing vs Toulouse

Action during the match of the 1946 French Championship between the teams of Enfants de Neptune de Tourcoing and T.O.E.C of Toulouse.
Source: Miroir Sprint; 12 August 1946

1961: The Champions of Dinamo Bucarest

The team of Dinamo Bucarest Champion of Romania in 1961. Among the players: Cornel Rusu, Bogdan Mihailescu, Cornel Fratila, Gica Nistor, Anatol Grintescu.
Source: Polo de la A a la Z; Adrian Vasiliu

1958: The National team of Romania

The National team of Romania in 1958. Standing first from left is the legendary Romania player Anatol Grintescu.
Source: Polo de la A a la Z; Adrian Vasiliu

1974, Vienna: The team of Romania

The team of Romania, ranked at the 6th place in Vienna 1975 European Championships. The team: Florin Slavei, Cornel Rusu, Gheorghe Zamfirescu, Adrian Nastasiu, Gruia Novac, Liviu Raducanu, Viorel Rus, Iuliu Olac, Cornel Fratila, Adrian Schervan and Ilie Slavei.
Source: Polo de la A a la Z: Adrian Vasiliu

1975, Cali: The team of Romania

The National team of Romania, ranked 5th at the World Championships of Cali, Colombia in 1975. The team: Florin Slavei, Claudiu Rusu, Gruia Novac, Adrian Nastasiu, Cornel Fratila, Viorel Rus, Gheorghe Zamfirescu, Paul Niculescu, Cornel Marculescu, Dr. Ioan Dragan, Dinu Popescu, Cornel Rusu, Liviu Raducanu.
Source: Polo de A a la Z: Adrian Vasiliu