Treading Water

Let's be honest, Tony Azevedo doesn't need an introduction. As former captain of Team USA and a 5 x Olympian, we jumped at the opportunity to have one of the greatest water polo players of all time on the podcast when we hosted him in Australia during September. In the episode, Tony gives incredible insight into winning an Olympic Silver Medal, going through BUD/S Training, his vision for the future of water polo and much more. __________________CHECK THIS STUFF OUT: If you want to learn more about 6-8 Sports and how you can earn your number, visit beachwaterpolofours.com or email info@beachwaterpolofours.comFollow Beach Water Polo Fours on Instagram: www.instagram.com/beachwaterpolofoursFollow Beach Water Polo Fours on Facebook: www.facebook.com/beachwaterpolofoursFollow Tony Azevedo on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tonyazevedo8Follow 6-8 Sports on Instagram: www.instagram.com/68sports Visit the 6-8 Sports Website: 6-8sports.com

Last month, Fours team members Scott and Michaela went to South Korea for the first ever Beach Water Polo exhibition at the FINA World Championships. They have calmed down since claiming a bronze medal and sat down to talk about the success of the tournament, what it was like to be apart of the first ever Australian Beach Water Polo Team, and what the future of the sport looks like. __________________________CHECK THIS STUFF OUT: Learn more and register for our Winter Classic: www.beachwaterpolofours.com/winter-classicFollow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/beachwaterpolofoursFollow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/beachwaterpolofours

Season 2 of Treading Water has voiced some truly incredible stories from people inside the water polo community. To wrap up the season, Emma and Scott re-play the best snippets and stories from every guest. To keep up with Beach Water Polo Fours during our break, check out the links below! Facebook: www.facebook.com/beachwaterpolofoursInstagram: www.instagram.com/beachwaterpolofoursWebsite: www.beachwaterpolofours.com

This week on the Treading Water Podcast, we were lucky enough to have Aussie Shark, Jarrod Gilchrist, sit down and answer questions about life in and out of the pool. When the busy 'Gilly' isn’t taking care of his 3-month-old daughter Ivy or helping the UNSW West’s win a National League Championship, you’ll find him running his business, Chapter 1 Early Learning Centre. In this week’s episode, Jarrod discusses business, fatherhood and the success of the Aussie Shark’s during his tenure as an integral part of the team. Jarrod is a water polo player that has applied the many lessons learnt in the sport to other facets of life and business, and we can’t think of a better guest to wrap up Season 2 of Treading Water._________________________________CHECK THIS STUFF OUT:Follow Chapter 1 Early Learning on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chapter1earlylearning/Follow Chapter 1 Early Learning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chapter1earlylearning/Visit the Chapter 1 Early Learning Website: https://www.chapter1earlylearning.com/Follow Beach Water Polo Fours on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beachwaterpolofours/Follow Beach Water Polo Fours on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beachwaterpolofours/Follow Water Polo Australia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterpoloaus/

On this weeks episode of Treading Water, we take a dive into the world of music with former water polo player, Ben Goldstein. After a promising junior career was cut short due to dodgy hips, Ben focused his attention on music, even featuring on the hit show, 'The Voice Australia.' In this episode, Ben talks about everything from water polo, to his time traveling in the Middle East and his new ecological project in the Southern Highlands. ___________________________CHECK THIS STUFF OUT: Follow The Big Ilch: https://www.facebook.com/thebigilchFollow Hot Potato Band on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hotpotatobandFollow Hot Potato Band on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotpotatobandFollow Beach Water Polo Fours on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beachwaterpolofours

On this weeks episode of Treading Water, we welcome our first guest from the West, Australian Stinger Zoe Arancini.Zoe has been a staple of not only the Aussie Stingers, but also the Fremantle Marlins for the last decade, achieving over 200 international caps and being voted in the world’s best 7 players at the 2015 World Championships. Zoe is a great example of doing everything it takes and more to be the best you can be – and we want to wish a big good luck to her and the rest of the Aussie Stingers as they kick off their World League Finals campaign in Budapest!_____________________________CHECK THIS STUFF OUT: Follow Zoe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoearancini/Follow the Aussie Stingers on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterpoloaus/Follow Delfina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delfinasport/Follow Beach Water Polo Fours on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beachwaterpolofours/Follow Zoe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/zoearancini?lang=en

We are joined this week by the new Head Coach of the Australian Stingers Squad, Predrag Milhailovic. Through his work with the ACU Cronulla Sharks and NSWIS, there are more than a few water polo players in Australia that have had the pleasure to be coached by Predrag, but few would know the incredible story of how he and his family migrated to Australia from Serbia. In the episode, Predrag talks about everything from growing up through the Civil War and trying to compete for Yugoslavia as an athlete, to being in the military and eventually chasing his water polo goals as a player and coach overseas, and of course his new role as the Stingers Head Coach. Predrag has led a life that very few Australian's could relate to and with the Aussie Stingers about to take on the World League Finals in Budapest, it's a great opportunity to get to know the man at the helm who is helping to push a new generation of athletes to become Olympic champions!____________________________CHECK THIS STUFF OUT: Follow the Australian Stinger's Squad: www.instagram.com/waterpoloausJoin the Treading Water Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265479804332662/Follow Beach Water Polo Fours on Instagram: www.instagram.com/beachwaterpolofoursFollow Beach Water Polo Fours on Facebook: www.facebook.com/beachwaterpolofours

Jon Harker has had a career in media stretching nearly 30 years, working his way through the ranks to become one of Australia's pre-eminent sports journalists. Jon has worked as a huge part of 2GB's radio sport coverage and has been the host of Channel Seven’s flagship national sports program, Sportsworld. As a commentator, he has been involved in the Olympic and Commonwealth games since 1996, commentating not only water polo, but boxing, weightlifting and tennis.This is a must listen to episode for anyone looking to start a career in the media, or for any sports buffs who want to hear some incredible anecdotes from someone who has spent their life watching, playing and talking about sport.We also need to note that for whatever reason, Scott’s microphone played up in the recording, so his sound is a little off – but you should be able to still hear his questions. Plus, let’s face it, the less we hear of Scott the better! _________________________CHECK THIS STUFF OUT:Hark Attack: http://harkattack.com.au/ Treading Water Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265479804332662Beach Water Polo Fours Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/beachwaterpolofours/Beach Water Polo Fours Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/beachwaterpolofours/

Water polo gave Nathan Thomas many great thrills and wonderful moments as a player, and now it is doing the same as a father. The former Tamworth High protege’s daughter Nioka is making waves in the sport that took him to two Olympics, and saw him have the distinction of captaining his country. __________________________CHECK THIS STUFF OUT:Nioka's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nioka_thomas/Treading Water Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265479804332662/Beach Water Polo Fours Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beachwaterpolofoursBeach Water Polo Fours Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/beachwaterpolofours

When former Australian Stinger Patrice Minton (nee O'Neill) hung up her water polo cap, she dove straight into a career with animals. With stints at the world famous Australia Zoo and Sydney Wildlife Zoo as a penguin trainer and koala handler, Patrice has enough hilarious stories and extraordinary Instagram photos to fill a book (one that we would most definitely buy). More recently, Patty has combined her passion for the ocean and her passion for animals by taking people free diving with seals.Patrice’s story is another great example of someone in the water polo community turning their talent in elite sport towards a new passion and excelling – as well as someone who is trying to be a force for good and making the world a better place.________________________CHECK THIS STUFF OUT:Follow Patrice on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pa77y/Take 3 For The Sea: https://www.take3.org/Australia Zoo: https://www.australiazoo.com.au/Treading Water Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265479804332662Beach Water Polo Fours Instagram: www.instagram.com/beachwaterpolofours/

On the 7th of January 2017, on his 21st birthday, Nick Dempsey dived into his backyard swimming pool and changed his life forever. Dislocating his neck and compressing his spinal cord, Nick and his family had to face up to one of the worst outcomes – that Nick was facing life as a quadriplegic. Having to shelve his water polo aspirations, Nick has been focused on his rehab and has continually astounded his therapists with what he has been able to achieve. Originally being told that he would have to use a mouth controlled electric chair to get around, Nick put his determination as an athlete to the test and is now not only in a hand controlled chair, but is also taking lessons to be able to drive a modified car. Nick’s journey to recovery echoes his journey as an athlete and is an inspirational story of perseverance that anyone can sympathise with. _____________________________Nick's road to walk again is a long and expensive one. If you want to donate or support Nick in any way, please check out the links below. Follow Nick's Journey: https://www.facebook.com/nickdempseysjourney/ Donate to Nick's Journey: http://www.nicksjourney.org/Team up with Nick's Journey: https://www.facebook.com/nickssupportcrew/Nick's Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickkdempsey/

You may not recognise the face, but you might hear a familiar voice in this week's episode of Treading Water. Liam Stapleton began his radio career at the age of 14 at an Adelaide community radio station and is now one half of the nation-wide Triple J Breakfast Show. While he is normally heard talking about his love of Australian music, Liam is no stranger to the sporting world, having trialed for over 5 English Premier League Football clubs as a teenager. In this episode, Liam also talks about the overwhelming negativity he faced when he started his dream job, and the RUOK? Day video that changed it all. Liam has also started to show his face face at a few Australian Water Polo League games, so be sure to welcome him to our community if you see him._________________________CHECK THIS STUFF OUTLiam's RUOK? Day Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Yh4noLlV7cTreading Water Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265479804332662/Instagram: www.instagram.com/beachwaterpolofoursFacebook: www.facebook.com/beachwaterpolofours

In the water polo community, Mel and Bec Rippon hardly need an introduction. The sisters from Sydney have together been to 5 Olympics and share an Olympic Bronze Medal from Beijing in 2008. While both sisters have since hung up the swimmers (except for a few sneaky Beach Water Polo Fours appearances), Mel and Bec weren't ready to say goodbye to water polo, both becoming extremely successful coaches in the water polo community. Bec is now the NSWIS Head Coach and Aussie Stingers Assistant Coach, while Mel coaches the ACU Cronulla Sharks Women's National League Team. While you would expect two high achieving siblings to have a crazily competitive upbringing, Mel and Bec have both supported one another throughout each stage of their careers and only been excited for one another. With their step-sister Kate Gynther, it wouldn't be hard to argue that these sisters would have one of the best family Fours team in Australian Water Polo. In this episode, Mel and Bec talk about their upbringing, sibling non-rivalry, parental support and the rise of women stepping into coaching positions._________________________CHECK THIS STUFF OUTTreading Water Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265479804332662/Instagram: www.instagram.com/beachwaterpolofoursFacebook: www.facebook.com/beachwaterpolofours

The Treading Water Podcast is back for Season 2! We will be dropping episodes with some of our favourite people in the sporting world every Wednesday, but in the meantime, we want to give you a quick update and introduction to the season._________________________CHECK THIS STUFF OUT:The Fours Four Favourite Season Moments: www.beachwaterpolofours.com/new-blog/2019/4/15/the-fours-four-favourite-season-momentsThe 2018/19 Season Wrap Up Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeWk76G-tHkInstagram: www.instagram.com/beachwaterpolofoursFacebook: www.facebook.com/beachwaterpolofours

We wrap up season 1 with a countdown of our top 5 episodes and feature what is coming up for our events this summer and season 2 of Treading Water.Facebook: Beach Water Polo FoursInstagram: @beachwaterpolofours_____________________________________________________________The summer of Beach Water Polo Fours is fast approaching with registrations for our first event in Wollongong on 1 and 2 December open now. Head to www.beachwaterpolofours.com for all the info and to register.

This week we sat down with creative Anthony MacFarlane, part of the brains trust behind the famous 'Beached Az' video that has amassed 9.3 million views on YouTube in 10 years. Anthony also runs a successful bar and a number of other businesses that are discussed throughout the episode. Coming up to the 10 year anniversary of the Beached Az video, Anthony discusses how his love of the sport and the community within has remained his one constant throughout his career.Facebook: Beached Az_____________________________________________________________The summer of Beach Water Polo Fours is fast approaching with registrations for our first event in Wollongong on 1 and 2 December open now. Head to www.beachwaterpolofours.com for all the info and to register.

Silver medals in World Cups don't happen overnight and the Australian Mens Water Polo team are no different. There has been a lot of hard work, sacrifice and heartache to get to the podium but the hard work is not over yet.Aidan Roach (nickname AJ), a fixture in the team since 2009 sat down with us on the back of the teams best ever performance at a World Cup to talk to us about how he and the team got to where they are today, including his personal story. Having played the game in so many countries, few others can provide analysis like this and you won't hear it anywhere else.Instragram: @aidanroach6_____________________________________________________________The summer of Beach Water Polo Fours is fast approaching with registrations for our first event in Wollongong on 1 and 2 December open now. Head to www.beachwaterpolofours.com for all the info and to register.

After writing herself a contract to do whatever it takes to play Water Polo for Australia at the Olympics, Holly tells us about her olympic journey, 'that backhand goal' in the quarter final of the London Olympics and life as a new Mum. The summer of Beach Water Polo Fours is fast approaching with registrations for our first event in Wollongong on 1 and 2 December open now. Head to www.beachwaterpolofours.com for all the info and to register.

After shoulder surgery ended his time playing water polo, Nick Brbot redirected his love for the water and began taking on 8ft+ waves as a professional body surfer. Ten thousand Instagram followers later, Nick is an integral member of the Bate Bay Body Bashers and frequently surfs heavy breaks such as Cape Solander and Voodoo.In this podcast episode, Nick recounts his journey as both a water polo player and a body surfer, and gives insight into the terrifying moment he was held underwater, unable to reach the surface.@nickbrbot@batebaybodybasherswww.thebodysurfingshop.com.au

This week's episode features Michaela Davies, who is a current national league player for the Cronulla Sharks and a player/coach at the Sydney Stingers.The Sydney Stingers are a LGBTQI based, all inclusive water polo club that formed in 2001. They currently play competitively in the Sydney Metropolitan competition with over 180 playing members and continue to grow year on year. Mic has recently returned from Paris, where they sent three teams to the 2018 Gay Games.In a sport where participation drops when life gets in the way, the stingers have proved the opposite, providing an all inclusive outlet for people to learn, play, train and socialise around the sport of water polo.In this episode you will hear about how Mic fell into a role at the stingers, in the process rediscovering the joy of the sport and making lifelong friends.@Kaylakate93___________________________________________________________________________________The Sydney Stingers Spring 2018 boot camp will run over 3 sessions on Saturday mornings in September, with dates/times as follows:Saturday Sept 8, 10:00 to 11:30am – Session 1Saturday Sept 15, 10:00 to 11:30am – Session 2Saturday Sept 22, 10:00 to 11:30am – Session 3To sign up, head to:https://sydneystingers.tidyhq.com/public/schedule/events/20146-boot-camp-spring-2018

This week's guest Nicolai Morris is a senior strength and conditioning coach who has worked with a number of elite sporting teams including the NSW Womens State of Origin rugby league team, Sydney Uni National Premier League Football, NSW Waratahs Womens Rugby Union and the Sydney Uni lions national league water polo team.Having gained qualifications in sports science and teaching, It is no coincidence that Nic’s teams are successful. In the past 6 months her various teams played 85 matches, resulting in only 4 losses. Nic knows what it takes to bring individuals together and what it takes for teams to be successful.Sydney Uni Sport Strength and Conditioning @susfstrengthandconditioningNicolai Morris@nicolai.swimmingnicolai.morris@sport.usyd.edu.au

Regarded as one of the most successful coaches in Australian Water Polo, Ian has been involved in Water Polo for over 50 years. As a coach, he lead the Australian Womens team to a 3 year undefeated run that included a World Cup and a World Championship. Ian also discusses his career in the media and his love of all sports in what is truly an episode for the sports lover.

This week spoke to Event Founder Scott Nicholson to provide a quick update about the latest Beach Water Polo Fours news and he tells us about his time with the Australian Beach Handball team during their time at the recent World Championships in Russia.

This week, we take the show on the road in order to pin down Taniele Gofers. Taniele is regarded as one of the best Water Polo players of her time and is also a bronze medalist in Beijing 2008. Stepping away from the sport, Taniele currently works for the United Nations in Myanmar. She speaks passionately and intelligently about important world issues and gives a healthy dose of perspective for us all. NOTE: Unfortunately we left the metronome on during this recording, we thought this recording was way too interesting to not publish so we hope you understand!

The week we speak to Surf Life Saving legend Hannah Minogue, who’s sporting career has seen her try just about everything. Her never ending resume features two seasons in the Nutri Grain Ironwoman Series, 4x Australian Gold Medals, places in the Australian and NSW kayaking teams, more than 100 games in the NSW Women’s Premier League Football as well as being a fulltime firefighter and a casual PE teacher.

A glimpse into a day in the life of the Australian Womens Water Polo team, the Aussie Stingers, as we speak to Pascalle Casey about her first full tour with the national team.

This week we caught up with national champion and former Aussie Stinger Alicia Brightwell who took us through her journey in and out of the pool. From coming out as an elite athlete to finding her passion in making people laugh and smile, Alicia truly defines what it is to be a great teammate.

For the next two weeks, we are bringing you closer to two championship winners from the 2018 Australian National Water Polo League. This week we bring you Michael Rosenthal, captain of the Sydney Uni Lions and a former US National Team representative who has also played professionally in Serbia and Brazil. Being part of a dynasty at the University of Southern California that won 5 consecutive national championships, Michael knows what it takes to develop championship habits both in and out of the pool. Since then he has completed studies in law, environmental science and human biology as he continues to be a leader in the community and the environmental challenges we all face. Next Week: Alicia Brightwell

This week we sat down with Tyler Martin, who followed a very unique path to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics for Australian Men's Water Polo team. He talks about his experience in business and what its like to reach 50 million people in 33 countries with one campaign.@delfinasport

An introduction to the Beach Water Polo Fours team, why we are here and what you can expect from season 1.