Polo player makes a state splash

THE city’s water polo scene may still be small, but it’s creating pathways for young players to succeed.

Ballarat Water Polo athlete, 14-year-old Eleanor Justin, has been selected to play in the Victorian under-15 state team and will compete in the Water Polo Australia National State Championships.

“We’ve been training for the past two months, once a week in Melbourne,” she said. “The big end goal is nationals in late September at the AIS in Canberra.

“That in itself will be an amazing experience, to compete in such a renowned pool.”

The Ballarat Grammar year 9 student trains and competes with mostly senior players and has been part of the Geelong side during summer months.

She said mixing with adult athletes has helped to fast-track her skills development.

“It’s a big learning experience because I’m not used to their size and abilities, so it teaches me a bit quicker,” she said.

“Being surrounded by so many people who are not just passionate but really good at water polo makes it a really great environment to learn in.”

Justin tried water polo when some friends recommended the local club, and she has been involved ever since.

As one of the only youth players at Ballarat Water Polo, Justin said there is a kind culture amongst members, and all of them are accommodating to her needs as a junior.

“I love the club, and I love the sport,” she said. “It’s a really nurturing club.

“They are such nice people, and have been very helpful to me as an athlete there, getting me in to play country tournaments with them.

“It’s a small club, all ages, and that’s what makes it good. They’re always there for me.”

An East Point netballer and Ballarat Swimming Club swimmer, Justin said water polo brings together the sports she enjoys.

“It’s been really good, because it combines them both, with an added physical and rough aspect,” she said.

“I love that it’s also a team sport I can do with my friends, and the physical, competitive aspect. What you put in, you get out.”

With a few years of secondary school left, Justin is starting to consider tertiary options, and said her water polo skills will be an ideal springboard.

“It gives me a great base to head overseas, maybe to one of the universities in America, where they play such high levels of water polo,” she said.

“I do love my sport, so something like physiotherapy, that has sport as a part of it, is obviously something I’d like to do.”