1912: 1st Italian Championship in Santa Lucia, Napoli

The Italian men's Water Polo Championship in 1912 was the 1st official edition. The tournament was organized by the then Federazione Italiana Rari Nantes  and was disputed in Naples September 14, 1912, in the stretch of sea facing the harbor of Santa Lucia. The tournament was played by three teams Genoa, Rari Nantes Partenope and Società Podistica Lazio. The ligurian team won the first National Italian title.

Source: private collection 

1945: The team of S.S. Lazio Nuoto

The team of S.S. Lazio Nuoto, winner of the 1945 Italian Championship. It has been the first post-World War II Championship not recognized officially by the Italian Federation for technical reasons. Standing L-R: Ivo Bitetti, Gozzo, Catalani, Tamagnini, Aldo Ghira, Franco Baccini Squatting L-R: Camillo De Giovanni, Caselli, Gemignio Ognio.

Source: http://www.sslazionuoto.it/

Action at the Tokyo Metropolitan Indoor Swimming during the final game between Hungary (blue) and USSR (5-2) for Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games 

1935: Drawing by Jean Jacoby

Poster "Grande Fete Internationale de Natation" by Jean Jacoby (Luxembourg - Sport & Olympic artist) in 1935

1928: The USA team sailing aboard to Amsterdam

The USA Water Polo team sailing aboard with the SS President Roosevelt to take part in Amsterdam 1928 Olympic Games. L-R. Schroth, Johnny Weissmuller (swimmer), Harrison, Farlay, Greller, Greenberg, Mitchell.
Source: private colection 

1966: The team of C.C. Ortigia Siracusa

The team of Circolo Canottieri Ortigia, Siracusa participating in serie C in 1966. From L-R: Huniadfy, Rosario Lo Bello, Roberto Cannizzo, Gianfranco Nasti, Garbato, Carlo Mirisola, Giacomo Rizza, Sasà Puglisi, Angelo Ignoti.

Source: amicisiracusaninelmondo.myblog.it/

1970 The Champions of Orvosegyetem SC

The team of Orvosegyetem Sports Club, Budapest Champions of Hungary in 1970. Among the players Istvan Szivos Jr and Istvan Szivos Sr as Technical Director.

Source: www.fortepan.hu

1970: The silver team of India

The National team of India silver medalist at  1970 Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

India lost in the final against Japan with 4-2 Ranking Japan, India, Indonesia

The Indian team: Ashok Biswas, Tarun Goswami, Samir Kapadia, Bharat Merchant, Piyush Mitra, Abdul Mutlib, Pattabi Raman, Chandram Rana, Avinash Sarang, Deep Narayan Singh, Umad Singh

Source: courtesy of Saibal Kumar Shaw

The magnificent 1 + 12

Baron Pierre De Coubertin, father of modern Olympic Games, was saying that “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part”. Believing or not this famous quote we go back to see the Water Polo's “Magnificent 1 + 11” players who did, in fact, participate most times at the Olympics:

6 participations

Manuel Estiarte, Spain: 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000

5 participations

Paul Radmilovic, Great Britain: 1908, 1912,1920, 1924, 1928 Dezso Gyarmati, Hungary: 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964 Gianni De Magistris, Italy: 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984 George Mavrotas, Greece : 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000 Jordi Sans, Spain : 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000 Salvador Gomez, Spain : 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 Jesus Rolan, Spain: 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004. Tibor Benedek, Hungary 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008. Tamas Kasas, Hungary 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, Giorgos Afroudakis (Greece) 1996, 2000,2004, 2008, 2012, Tony Azevedo (USA) 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and Stefano Tempesti ( Italy): 2000-2004-2008-2012-2016

1986: The team of ASD Torino 81 Pallanuoto

The team of ASD Torino 81 Pallanuoto promoted to Italian A1 Championship in 1986. Standing L-R: Russo, Barra, Macchia, Pernat, Carannante, Cavallo, Bodrone. Squatting L-R: Nettuno, Hinnek, Franci, Gilli, Costa, Gallino

Source: Mondo del Nuoto 1986 

1949: The team of Rari Nantes Bologna

The team of Rari Nantes Bologna in 1949. Standing L-R: Albahari, Rolfini, Casanova, Vigna Squatting L-R: Balboni, Codeca, Anfossi

Source: Mondo del Nuoto 1986 

1947: The team of Rari Nantes Bologna

The team of Rari Nantes Bologna in 1947. From L-R: Monari, Codeca, Anfossi, Casanova, Rolfini, Albahari

Source: Mondo del Nuoto 1986 

1948 London: Egypt Vs Great Britain at Finchley pool

Egypt, in white caps, attack Great Britain's goal during their first-round Olympic Games water-polo match, at Finchley open-air pool, London, July 30, 1948. Great Britain drew 1 all with the powerful Egyptian team.

Source: www.dailypress.com/(AP Photo)

1982 Guayaquil: The team of Yugoslavia

The team of Yugoslavia coached by Ivo Trumbic in Guayaquil 1982 World Championships.

Source: Il mondo della Pallanuoto, August  1982 - Sandro Castellano 

1982 Guayaquil: The team of Netherlands

The team of Nederland coached by Dénes Pócsik in in Guayaquil 1982 World Championships.

Source: Il mondo della Pallanuoto, August  1982 - Sandro Castellano 

1982 Guayaquil: The team of Italy

The team of Italy coaches by Gianni Lonzi in in Guayaquil 1982 World Championships. The team: Panerai, Misaggi, Pisano, Steardo, Fiorillo, Baldineti, Galli, Campagna, Fondelli, Ragosa, Del Gaudio, Postiglione, Gandolfi.

Source: Il mondo della Pallanuoto, August  1982 - Sandro Castellano 

1982, Guayaquil: The silver team of Hungary

The team of Hungary coached by Mayer Mihaly, silver winner in Guayaquil 1982 World Championships. From L-R Horkai, Kenez, Budavari, Varga J., Gerendas, Somossy, Sudar, Scmiedt, Kuncz, Kis I., Bors, Csapo, Cservenak.

Source: Il mondo della Pallanuoto, August  1982 - Sandro Castellano 

1982 Guayaquil: The bronze team of West Germany

The team of West Germany coaches by Niko Firoiu bronze winner in Guayaquil 1982 World Championships. The team:   Roehle, Stamm, Schroeder, Obschernikat, Obschernicat, Hoppe, Osselman, Weyer, Loebb, Blumlein, Otto, Freund , Kilian.

Source: Il mondo della Pallanuoto, August  1982 - Sandro Castellano 

1982, Guayaquil: The golden team of USSR

The team of USSR coached by Boris Popov, winner in Guayaquil 1982 World Championships. The team:  Eugeni Shraronov, Vladimir Akimov, Aleksei Vdovin, Nikolai Smirnov, Eugeni Grishin, Alexander Kleimenov, Alexander Kabanov, Erkin Shagaev, Hourlan Mendygaliev, Mikhail Ivanov, Georgy Mshvenieradze, Sergei Kotenko.

Source: Il mondo della Pallanuoto, August  1982 - Sandro Castellano 

1957: The Champions of Szolnoki Dozsa SC

The team of Szolnoki Dozsa Sport Club, Champion of Hungary in 1957. Standing L-R: Kadar, Szegedi, Pinter, Goor (Coach), Kanizsa, Hasznos II, Konck, Hegman. Squatting L-R: Hasznos I, Kuczora, Kelerman, Boros.

Source: Kepes Sport

1979, Mexico City: The golden Universiade USA team

Another picture of the golden United States Team at the World University Games 1979 in Mexico City.Top Row L-.R: Asst. Coach Rick Rowland, Jack Graham, John Dobrott, Peter Campbell, Jody Campbell, John Gansel, Greg Boyer, Terry Schroeder, Jeff Stites, Head Coach Dante Dettamanti. Bottom Row L-R: Manager Doug Arth, Marty Davis, Doug Burke, Dave Myers

Source: courtesy of Dante Dettamanti 

1979, Mexico City: The golden Universiade USA team

The golden United States Team coached by Dante Dettamanti at the World University Games 1979 in Mexico City. Ranking: 1) United States, 2) Russia, 3) Yugoslavia, 4) Romania, 5) Cuba, 6) Hungary, 7) Italy. A very strong competition as many countries had members of their National Team present in preparation for 1980 Olympic Games in the next year. Also present was National Team Head Coaches such as Miro Cirkovic (Yugoslavia) and  Boris Popov (USSR) From L-R: Greg Boyer, Jody Campbell, Peter Campbell, Jeff Stites, Jack Graham, Terry Schroeder, Doug Burke, Dave Myers, John Dobrott, Marty Davis, John Gansel.

Source: courtesy of Dante Dettamanti 

1971 Barcelona: The golden Junior Hungarians.

The team of Hungary gold winner in Barcelona 1971 European Junior Championships. The team: Huazler, Farago, Magas, Hamory, Horvath, Szello, Ipacs, Balla, Szittya, Debrezeni, Horvath II. Ranking: 1. Hungary, 2. Spain, 3. USSR, 4. Romania, 5. Italy, 6. Netherlands, 7. Germany, 8. Greece

Source: http://hemeroteca.lavanguardia.com/

1985, Duisburg: The National team of Italy

The National team of Italy that took part in the fourth edition of FINA World Cup held in 1985 in Duisburg,  West Germany. Standing L-R: Averaimo, Cadarella, Campagna, Pisano, Postiglione, Missaggi, Trapanese, Denerlein (Head Coach). Squatting L-R: Fiorilo, D’Altrui, Steardo, La Cava, Ferretti, Tempestini. The ranking: 1. West Germany, 2. USA, 3. Spain, 4 Yugoslavia, 5. Italia, Netherlands, Australia, Greece

Source: courtesy Marco D’Altrui 

1924: Match in the pool of Toulouse TOEC

Match of the «Dauphins du TOEC Toulouse»  in the pool Ernest Dufer at the Ponts Jumeaux in 1924

Source: http://www.ladepeche.fr/

1981: The US team, Bucharest Universiade silver winner

The US team, coached by Dante Dettamanti, silver winner at the 1981, Summer Universiade held in Bucharest, Romania

Source: courtesy G. Peter Campbell

1988, Seoul: action during the final

Goran Radjenovic (Yugoslavia, white cap Nr 12) ready to shot against the USA cage while G.Peter Campbell (USA, blue cap Nr4) is defending. 

The gold winner team of Yugoslavia won 9 to 7 the final match against USA

Source: Pascal Rondeau, Getty images

1988, Seoul: The silver National team of USA

The US team silver winner in Seoul 1988 Olympic Games: James Bergeson, Greg Boyer, Peter Campbell, Jeffrey Campbell, Jody Campbell, Christopher Duplanty, Michael Evans, Douglas Kimbell, Edward Klass, Alan Mouchawar, Kevin Robertson, Terry Schroeder, and Craig Wilson

Source: Pascal Rondeau, Getty images

1962 The team of Sportiva Nervi

The team of Sportiva Nervi in 1962. From L-R: Fenisio Bragheri , Dante Rossi , Barile , Enzo Barlocco, Mimmo Barlocco, Tentori, Bragherino, Angello Cilio, Lippolis, Coach EnricoTasso. 

Source: courtesy Renato Gadolfi, Angello Cillio

1974, Teheran: Asian Games awarding ceremony

Awarding ceremony for the winner in Teheran 1974  Asian Games. Ranking: 1. Iran, 2 China, 3. Japan.

Source: courtesy Aram Eidipour

1974, Teheran: The Champions of Iran

The National team of Iran gold winner in Teheran 1974  Asian Games. Standing L-R: Reza Kamerani, Hosein Nasim, Ahmad peydayesh, Majdpour, Angelescu (Head Coach), Bahram Tavakoli, Firooz Mohammadi, Hosein Tavakoli (Captain) Squatting L-R: Ahmad Yaghoti, Heydar Shonjani, Morteza Shariat, Dariosh Movahedi.

Source: courtesy Aram Eidipour

1905: The team of Schwimmclub SC Austria

The team of Schwimmclub SC Austria Wien, Champions of Austria in 1905

1930 The National team of Hungary

The National team of Hungary in 1930. From L-R: Ivády Sándor, Barta István, Vértessy József, Homonnai Márton, Németh János, Keserű Alajos, Keserű Ferenc 

Source: Hungarian National Museum

1987 The Champions of Sisley Pescara

The team of Sisley Pescara winner of European and Italian Championships in 1987 along with their Coach Ivo Trumbic The team: Ballerini, Bertazzoli, Mundula, Salonia, Malara, Rapini, Estiarte, Papa, D’Altrui, Pomilio, Battinelli, Montanaro, Di Fulvio.

Source: Archive Luciano Bonici 

1966: Utrecht European Championship awarding

The awarding ceremony at Utrecht 1966 European Championships. Gold medal for USSR, silver for the team of DDR and bronze for the team of Yugoslavia.
Sourse: http://www.geheugenvannederland.nl/

1927: Water Polo in Santander, Spain

Water Polo match in the port of Santander, Spain in 1927. The port city of Santander is the capital of Cantabria situated in the north coast of Spain between Asturias and the Basque Country.

Source: private collection 

1960: Water Polo match in the port of Volos, Greece

Action during a game of Volos Nautical Club in the port of Volos, Greece 1960.
Source: courtesy Tasos Marinagis 

1991, Havana: Fidel Castro with the team USA

Fidel Castro with the team USA, silver winner at 1991 Pan American Games. The US team: Craig Wilson, Terry Schroeder, Douglas Kimbell, Chris Humbert, Craig Klass, Mike Evans, John Vargas, Robert Lynn, Jeff Campbell, Chris Duplanty, Erich Fisher, and Charlie Harris. 
Source: courtesy of Kirk Everist

1929: Final match for the French Championship

Match between the team Enfants de Neptunes de Tourcoing (ENT) and the Sporting Club Universitaire de France (SCUF) at the pool "Tourelles" of Paris 1929. ENT won the title by winning against SCUF by 9-1.

Source: Le Sport Universel illustre 

1968: The team of Rari Nantes Salerno

The team of Rari Nantes Salerno coached by Gieppino D Altrui promoted in B Category of the Italian Championship in 1968. Standing L-R: Gianfranco Camisa, Dario Salvati, Roberto Agostino, Mariano Aliberti, mister Geppino D'Altrui, Nicola Borrelli, Paolo Lista, Sergio Mogavero,  Antonio Barela, Gino Stefanelli - Squatting L-R: Pasquale Rossi, Antonio D'Anna, Biagio Agostino, Giuseppe Casella

Source: http://www.rarinantesnuotosalerno.com/

1922: The National team of Belgium

The National team of  Belgium in 1922. Seating L-R: René Bauwens, Maurice Blitz, Pierre Dewin Standing L-R : Joseph Pletinckx, Wyngaerdt, Hecfinck, Paul Gailly, Van der Eyden

Source: http://gallica.bnf.fr/

1922: The team of "Libellule de Paris"

The team of "Libellule de Paris" at the indoor pool of Paris, Hebert in 1922

Source: http://gallica.bnf.fr/

1923: The National team of France vs Netherlands

The National team of France that played against the team Netherlands in Paris in 1923

Source: http://gallica.bnf.fr/

1919: Water Polo at Villennes sur Seine, Paris

Water Polo match at Villennes sur Seine, Paris on the occasion of "Touring Club de France" jubilee in 1919.

Source: http://gallica.bnf.fr/

1911: The National team of France

The National team of France that played against Belgium at Joinville-le-Pont, Paris in 1911. Source: http://gallica.bnf.fr/

1920, Antwerp: The National team of France

The National team of France that participated in Antwerp 1920 Olympic Games. From L-R: Henri Duvanel (Paris), Albert Mayaud (Paris),  Paul Vasseur (Nice), Marcel Hussaud (Paris), Henri Padou, Sr (Tourcoing), Émile-Georges Drigny (Paris),  Jean Thorailler (Paris) 

Source: http://gallica.bnf.fr/

1980: CSK Moscow European Cup winner

The team of CSK Moscow winner of European Cup for National Cup Winners in 1980.

1933: KPK Korčula Vs. HMS Queen Elisabeth team

The teams of KPK Korčula and HMS Queen Elisabeth, after their match in Korčula in 1933.

Source: courtesy of Asja Silić Lozica

1969: The team of "Paleo Faliro" Athens, Greece

The team of Atlhetic Club Paleo Faliro, Athens in 1969.
Source: AOPF archives 

1969: The National team of Italy in Hungarian Cup

The National team of Italy coached by Mario Majoni and Giepino D'Altrui winner of the Hungarian Cup held in Budapest in 1969
Source: courtesy of Mattia Aversa

1952: The Champions of Balluta WPC, Malta

The team of Balluta WPC Malta League Champions and Knock out winners in 1952. The team: C. Ciarlo, A.Tonna, F.Miggiani, C.Borg, L.Falzon, J.Grixti, F. Fenech, E Micallef
Source: courtesy of Andrew Fenech