OLYMPIAN HOSTS BEGINNER CLINIC

Elite athlete to visit town

You’d be hard pressed to find a better “introductory” water polo coach than Bronwen Knox.

Knox, a three time Olympian and captain of the Australian Stingers, will be in Toowoomba to share her passion for the sport this Sunday alongside fellow Olympian Mel Rippon.

Knox and Rippon will conduct a clinic for kids and coaches of all skills levels and experience, working alongside Toowoomba Water Polo.

“The focus will be all about having fun,” Knox said.

“The goal is to introduce people slowly to the sport so they can learn what it’s all about and we will add in a little water safety as well.

“We understand some people get nervous around the water and possibly a little be intimidated by the sport.

“We don’t want that – we just want everyone to enjoy themselves. It’s really a lot like the ball games kids play a school but with water.”

Knox said she gets as much enjoyment from conducting clinics as she does from playing.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to give back to the sport that has given me so much,” she said.

“It’s a lot of fun for me and I love the chance to pass on some of my knowledge to young players. Players that one day might replace me in the Australian team.”

Knox, who made her senior debut for Australia at the 2005 World Championships in Canada, said she still enjoyed the sport now as much she did when she first started playing at age 16.

“I was a swimmer before I took up water polo,” she said.

“My family and I were in

‘‘ THE GOAL IS TO INTRODUCE PEOPLE SLOWLY TO THE SPORT SO THEY CAN LEARN WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT...

BRONWEN KNOX

Sydney for the Olympics and I remember watching women’s water polo semi-final – I started training when I was 16.

“I still love it today – it’s a real challenge.

“There’s so much to learn and you’re always growing and changing as a player.

“I feel that I as long as still have that passion and challenge that I’ll keep playing.”

Knox has played at the Beijing, London and Rio Olympics.

She captained the Australia women’s team in Rio.

Photo: Water Polo Australia LEARN NEW SPORT: Three-time Olympian Bronwen Knox will conduct a water polo clinic alongside fellow Olympian Mel Rippon this Sunday in Toowoomba.