National team appearances in the men's Olympic water polo tournament

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This article presents the national team appearances in the men's Olympic water polo tournament since the inaugural official edition in 1900.

As of the 2020 Summer Olympics, 52 men's national water polo teams from six continents have competed at the Olympic Games. European teams have won all 27 official tournaments. The inaugural winners in 1900 were Great Britain; the current champions are Serbia. The most successful team is currently Hungary men's team, who has won the Olympic title on nine occasions.[1][2][3]

Abbreviations[]

Apps Appearances Rk Rank Ref Reference
p. page pp. pages

Team statistics[]

Comprehensive team results by tournament[]

Note: Results of Olympic qualification tournaments are not included. Numbers refer to the final placing of each team at the respective Games; italic number in header means unofficial tournament was held. Last updated: 8 August 2021.

Legend
  •  1  – Champions
  •  2  – Runners-up
  •  3  – Third place
  •  4  – Fourth place
  •   – Qualified but were not allowed to compete
  •   – Disqualified
  •  —  – The nation did not participate in the Games
  •  Q  – Qualified for forthcoming tournament
  •     – Hosts
  • = – More than one team tied for that rank
  • Team† – Defunct team
Abbreviation
  • stats – Olympic water polo team statistics
  • EUA – United Team of Germany
  • FRG – West Germany
  • FRY – FR Yugoslavia
  • GDR – East Germany
  • SCG – Serbia and Montenegro
Africa – CANA (2 teams)
Men's team[1] 00 04 08 12 20 24 28 32 36 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 00 04 08 12 16 20 Years
 Egypt (stats) — — — — 7 10 — 13 12 15 — 12 6
 South Africa — 14 9 — — — — — — — 12 3
Americas – UANA (8 teams)
Men's team[1] 00 04 08 12 20 24 28 32 36 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 00 04 08 12 16 20 Years
 Argentina — — 13 10 16 11 — 4
 Brazil (stats) — — — — 6 — [a] 9 12 13 13 12 8 8
 Canada (stats) 16 9 — 10 11 4
 Chile — — — — 17 — 1
 Cuba — — — 8 9 7 5 — — 8 5
 Mexico — — — — 18 11 13 10 4
 United States (stats) 4 3 7 3 9 11 4 5 7 9 5 3 — 2 2 4 7 6 7 2 8 10 6 22
 Uruguay — — — — — 13 16 — 2
Asia – AASF (7 teams)
Men's team[1] 00 04 08 12 20 24 28 32 36 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 00 04 08 12 16 20 Years
 PR China — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 9 11 12 3
 India — — — 12 21 2
 Iran — — — — — — — — 12 — — 1
 Japan (stats) — — — 4 14 — 14 11 12 15 — 11 12 10 9
 Kazakhstan (stats) — — — — — Part of Soviet Union [b] 9 11 11 11 4
 Singapore — — — — — — — — — 10 — — 1
 South Korea — — — — — — — — — — 12 1
Europe – LEN (34 teams)
Men's team[1] 00 04 08 12 20 24 28 32 36 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 00 04 08 12 16 20 Years
 Austria 4 — 7 13 3
 Belgium (stats) 2 — 2 3 2 2 6 3 4 6 16 7 11
 Bulgaria — — — — — — — 11 12 — 2
 Croatia (stats) — — — — Part of Yugoslavia 2 7 10 6 1 2 5 7
 Czechoslovakia† — — — — 12 6 10 11 — 12 Defunct 5
 East Germany† Part of Germany P. of EUA 6 — Part of Germany 1
 France (stats) 3[c] — 6 9 1 3 4 6 10 10 11 11 11
 Germany (stats) =5 — — 1 2 2 — 15 See EUA See FRG and GDR 7 9 5 10 9
 Great Britain (stats) 1 1 1 1 8 4 8 13 12 7 12 11
Men's team 00 04 08 12 20 24 28 32 36 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 00 04 08 12 16 20 Years
 Greece (stats) 8 13 15 14 14 10 8 9 10 6 10 4 7 9 6 2 16
 Hungary (stats) 5 — 5 2 1 1 2 1 1 3 1 3 2 1 3 — 5 6 4 1 1 1 5 5 3 23
 Iceland — — — — — — — 15 1
 Ireland — — — — — 9 14 — 2
 Italy (stats) — 10 11 1 3 4 1 4 4 6 2 8 7 7 1 3 5 8 9 2 3 7 21
 Luxembourg — — — 11 — 1
 Malta — — — — — — 8 — 16 — — — — 2
 Montenegro (stats) — — — — Part of Yugoslavia P. of FRY / SCG 4 4 4 8 4
Men's team 00 04 08 12 20 24 28 32 36 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 00 04 08 12 16 20 Years
 Netherlands (stats) — 4 5 7 5 5 3 5 8 8 7 7 3 6 6 9 10 11 17
 Portugal — — — 20 1
 Romania (stats) — — — — — — 17 8 5 5 8 4 9 11 10 9
 Russian Federation (stats) — — — — — Part of Soviet Union [b] 5 2 3 3
 Serbia (stats) — — — Part of Yugoslavia P. of FRY / SCG 3 3 1 1 4
 Serbia and Montenegro† (stats) — — — — Part of Yugoslavia See FRY 2 Defunct 1
 Slovakia — — — — Part of Czechoslovakia 12 1
 Soviet Union†[d] (stats) — — — — — — — — — — 7 3 2 3 2 1 8 1 — 3 Defunct 9
 Spain (stats) — — — 7 10 9 — 8 8 — 9 10 4 4 6 2 1 4 6 5 6 7 4 18
Men's team 00 04 08 12 20 24 28 32 36 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 00 04 08 12 16 20 Years
 Sweden (stats) — 3 2 3 4 6 5 11 11 8
  Switzerland 11 12 12 12 14 — 5
 Ukraine — — — — — — — — — — Part of Soviet Union [b] 12 1
International Olympic Committee Unified Team†[b] (stats) — — — — — Part of Soviet Union 3 Defunct 1
Germany United Team of Germany† (stats) See Germany 6 6 6 See FRG and GDR See Germany 3
 West Germany† (stats) Part of Germany P. of EUA 10 4 6 — 3 4 Part of Germany 5
 Yugoslavia† (stats) — — — — 10 9 2 2 4 2 1 5 5 2 1 1 Defunct 12
 FR Yugoslavia†[e] (stats) — — — — Part of Yugoslavia — 8 3 Defunct 2
Oceania – OSA (1 team)
Men's team[1] 00 04 08 12 20 24 28 32 36 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 00 04 08 12 16 20 Years
 Australia (stats) — — 18 19 9 15 10 [f] 12 11 7 5 8 5 8 9 8 7 9 9 17
Total teams 7 4 6 12 13 14 5 16 18 21 10 16 13 15 16 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

Debut of teams[]

Last updated: 27 July 2021.

Legend
  • Team* – Host team
  • Team† – Defunct team
# Year[1] Debuting teams Number Cumulative total
Africa Americas Asia Europe Oceania
1 1900 – – –  Belgium,  France*,  Germany,  Great Britain – 4 4
2 1904 Water polo was an unofficial sport
3 1908 – – –  Netherlands,  Sweden – 2 6
4 1912 – – –  Austria,  Hungary – 2 8
5 1920 –  Brazil,  United States –  Czechoslovakia†,  Greece,  Italy,  Spain,   Switzerland – 7 15
6 1924 – – –  Ireland – 1 16
7 1928 –  Argentina –  Luxembourg,  Malta – 3 19
8 1932 – –  Japan – – 1 20
9 1936 –  Uruguay –  Iceland,  Yugoslavia† – 3 23
10 1948  Egypt  Chile  India –  Australia 4 27
11 1952  South Africa  Mexico –  Portugal,  Romania,  Soviet Union† – 5 32
12 1956 – –  Singapore Germany United Team of Germany† – 2 34
13 1960 – – – – – 0 34
14 1964 – – – – – 0 34
# Year Africa Americas Asia Europe Oceania Number Cumulative total
15 1968 –  Cuba –  East Germany†,  West Germany† – 3 37
16 1972 –  Canada –  Bulgaria – 2 39
17 1976 – –  Iran – – 1 40
18 1980 – – – – – 0 40
19 1984 – –  China – – 1 41
20 1988 – –  South Korea* – – 1 42
21 1992 – – – International Olympic Committee Unified Team†[b] – 1 43
22 1996 – – –  Croatia,  Russia,  Ukraine,  FR Yugoslavia†[e] – 4 47
23 2000 – –  Kazakhstan  Slovakia – 2 49
24 2004 – – –  Serbia and Montenegro† – 1 50
25 2008 – – –  Montenegro,  Serbia – 2 52
26 2012 – – – – – 0 52
27 2016 – – – – – 0 52
28 2020 – – – – – 0 52
Total 2 8 7 34 1 52 52

Number of appearances by team[]

The following table is pre-sorted by number of appearances (in descending order), year of the last appearance (in ascending order), year of the first appearance (in ascending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 8 August 2021.

Legend and abbreviation
  • Year* – As host team
  • Team† – Defunct team
  • Apps – Appearances
  • stats – Olympic water polo team statistics
Number of appearances by team
Rk Men's team[1] Apps Record
streak		 Active
streak		 Debut Most
recent		 Best finish Confederation
1  Hungary (stats) 23 13 9 1912 2020 Champions Europe – LEN
2  United States (stats) 22 12 10 1920 2020 Runners-up Americas – UANA
3  Italy (stats) 21 19 19 1920 2020 Champions Europe – LEN
4  Spain (stats) 18 11 11 1920 2020 Champions Europe – LEN
5  Netherlands (stats) 17 7 0 1908 2000 Third place Europe – LEN
 Australia (stats) 17 6 6 1948 2020 Fifth place Oceania – OSA
7  Greece (stats) 16 11 11 1920 2020 Runners-up Europe – LEN
8  Yugoslavia† (stats) 12 12 0 1936 1988 Champions Europe – LEN
9  Belgium (stats) 11 5 0 1900 1964 Runners-up Europe – LEN
 Great Britain (stats) 11 5 0 1900 2012* Champions Europe – LEN
 France (stats) 11 4 0 1900* 2016 Champions Europe – LEN
12  Soviet Union† (stats) 9 8 0 1952 1988 Champions Europe – LEN
 Germany (stats) 9 3 0 1900 2008 Champions Europe – LEN
 Romania (stats) 9 4 0 1952 2012 Fourth place Europe – LEN
 Japan (stats) 9 4 2 1932 2020* Fourth place Asia – AASF
16  Sweden (stats) 8 4 0 1908 1980 Runners-up Europe – LEN
 Brazil (stats) 8 3 0 1920 2016* Sixth place Americas – UANA
18  Croatia (stats) 7 7 7 1996 2020 Champions Europe – LEN
19  Egypt (stats) 6 3 0 1948 2004 Seventh place Africa – CANA
20   Switzerland 5 3 0 1920 1948 Eleventh place Europe – LEN
 West Germany† (stats) 5 3 0 1968 1988 Third place Europe – LEN
 Czechoslovakia† 5 3 0 1920 1992 Sixth place Europe – LEN
 Cuba 5 4 0 1968 1992 Fifth place Americas – UANA
24  Argentina 4 2 0 1928 1960 Tenth place Americas – UANA
 Mexico 4 3 0 1952 1976 Tenth place Americas – UANA
 Canada (stats) 4 2 0 1972 2008 Ninth place Americas – UANA
 Kazakhstan (stats) 4 2 1 2000 2020 Ninth place Asia – AASF
 Montenegro (stats) 4 4 4 2008 2020 Fourth place Europe – LEN
 Serbia (stats) 4 4 4 2008 2020 Champions Europe – LEN
30  Austria 3 1 0 1912 1952 Fourth place Europe – LEN
Germany United Team of Germany† (stats) 3 3 0 1956 1964 Sixth place Europe – LEN
 Russia (stats) 3 3 0 1996 2004 Runners-up Europe – LEN
 China 3 2 0 1984 2008* Ninth place Asia – AASF
 South Africa 3 1 1 1952 2020 Ninth place Africa – CANA
35  Ireland 2 2 0 1924 1928 Ninth place Europe – LEN
 Malta 2 1 0 1928 1936 Eighth place Europe – LEN
 Uruguay 2 2 0 1936 1948 Thirteenth place Americas – UANA
 India 2 2 0 1948 1952 Twelfth place Asia – AASF
 Bulgaria 2 1 0 1972 1980 Eleventh place Europe – LEN
 FR Yugoslavia†[e] (stats) 2 2 0 1996 2000 Third place Europe – LEN
41  Luxembourg 1 1 0 1928 1928 Eleventh place Europe – LEN
 Iceland 1 1 0 1936 1936 Fifteenth place Europe – LEN
 Chile 1 1 0 1948 1948 Seventeenth place Americas – UANA
 Portugal 1 1 0 1952 1952 Twentieth place Europe – LEN
 Singapore 1 1 0 1956 1956 Tenth place Asia – AASF
 East Germany† 1 1 0 1968 1968 Sixth place Europe – LEN
 Iran 1 1 0 1976 1976 Twelfth place Asia – AASF
 South Korea 1 1 0 1988* 1988* Twelfth place Asia – AASF
International Olympic Committee Unified Team†[b] (stats) 1 1 0 1992 1992 Third place Europe – LEN
 Ukraine 1 1 0 1996 1996 Twelfth place Europe – LEN
 Slovakia 1 1 0 2000 2000 Twelfth place Europe – LEN
 Serbia and Montenegro† (stats) 1 1 0 2004 2004 Runners-up Europe – LEN
Rk Men's team Apps Record
streak		 Active
streak		 Debut Most
recent		 Best finish Confederation

Results of host teams[]

Last updated: 8 August 2021.

Legend and abbreviation
  • Year* – As host team
  • Team† – Defunct team
  • Finish‡ – It is the best performance of the team
  • Apps – Appearances
# Year[1] Host team Finish Best finish Apps Confederation
1 1900  France 3rd of 7 teams[c] Champions (1924*) 11 Europe – LEN
2 1904 Water polo was an unofficial sport
3 1908  Great Britain 1st‡ of 4 teams Champions (1900, 1908*, 1912, 1920) 11 Europe – LEN
4 1912  Sweden 2nd‡ of 6 teams Runners-up (1912*) 8 Europe – LEN
5 1920  Belgium 2nd‡ of 12 teams Runners-up (1900, 1908, 1920*, 1924) 11 Europe – LEN
6 1924  France 1st‡ of 13 teams Champions (1924*) 11 Europe – LEN
7 1928  Netherlands 5th of 14 teams Third place (1948, 1976) 17 Europe – LEN
8 1932  United States 3rd of 5 teams Runners-up (1984*, 1988, 2008) 22 Americas – UANA
9 1936  Germany 2nd of 16 teams Champions (1928) 9 Europe – LEN
10 1948  Great Britain 13th of 18 teams Champions (1900, 1908*, 1912, 1920) 11 Europe – LEN
11 1952   Did not participate — 0 Europe – LEN
12 1956  Australia 9th of 10 teams Fifth place (1984, 1992) 17 Oceania – OSA
13 1960  Italy 1st‡ of 16 teams Champions (1948, 1960*, 1992) 21 Europe – LEN
14 1964  Japan 11th of 13 teams Fourth place (1932) 9 Asia – AASF
# Year Host team Finish Best finish Apps Confederation
15 1968  Mexico 11th of 15 teams Tenth place (1976) 4 Americas – UANA
16 1972  West Germany† 4th of 16 teams Third place (1984) 5 Europe – LEN
17 1976  Canada 9th‡ of 12 teams Ninth place (1976*) 4 Americas – UANA
18 1980  Soviet Union† 1st‡ of 12 teams Champions (1972, 1980*) 9 Europe – LEN
19 1984  United States 2nd‡ of 12 teams Runners-up (1984*, 1988, 2008) 22 Americas – UANA
20 1988  South Korea 12th‡ of 12 teams Twelfth place (1988*) 1 Asia – AASF
21 1992  Spain 2nd of 12 teams Champions (1996) 18 Europe – LEN
22 1996  United States 7th of 12 teams Runners-up (1984*, 1988, 2008) 22 Americas – UANA
23 2000  Australia 8th of 12 teams Fifth place (1984, 1992) 17 Oceania – OSA
24 2004  Greece 4th of 12 teams Runners-up (2020) 16 Europe – LEN
25 2008  China 12th of 12 teams Ninth place (1984) 3 Asia – AASF
26 2012  Great Britain 12th of 12 teams Champions (1900, 1908*, 1912, 1920) 11 Europe – LEN
27 2016  Brazil 8th of 12 teams Sixth place (1920) 8 Americas – UANA
28 2020  Japan 10th of 12 teams Fourth place (1932) 9 Asia – AASF
# Year Host team Finish Best finish Apps Confederation

Results of defending champions and runners-up[]

Last updated: 8 August 2021.

Legend
  • Team* – Host team
  • Team† – Defunct team
# Year[1] Defending champions Finish Defending runners-up Finish
1 1900
2 1904 Water polo was an unofficial sport
3 1908
4 1912  Great Britain 1st of 6 teams  Belgium 3rd of 6 teams
5 1920  Great Britain 1st of 12 teams  Sweden 3rd of 12 teams
6 1924  Great Britain 8th of 13 teams  Belgium 2nd of 13 teams
7 1928  France 3rd of 14 teams  Belgium 6th of 14 teams
8 1932  Germany 2nd of 5 teams  Hungary 1st of 5 teams
9 1936  Hungary 1st of 16 teams  Germany* 2nd of 16 teams
10 1948  Hungary 2nd of 18 teams  Germany Did not participate
11 1952  Italy 3rd of 21 teams  Hungary 1st of 21 teams
12 1956  Hungary 1st of 10 teams  Yugoslavia† 2nd of 10 teams
13 1960  Hungary 3rd of 16 teams  Yugoslavia† 4th of 16 teams
14 1964  Italy 4th of 13 teams  Soviet Union† 3rd of 13 teams
# Year Defending champions Finish Defending runners-up Finish
15 1968  Hungary 3rd of 15 teams  Yugoslavia† 1st of 15 teams
16 1972  Yugoslavia† 5th of 16 teams  Soviet Union† 1st of 16 teams
17 1976  Soviet Union† 8th of 12 teams  Hungary 1st of 12 teams
18 1980  Hungary 3rd of 12 teams  Italy 8th of 12 teams
19 1984  Soviet Union† Qualified but withdrew  Yugoslavia† 1st of 12 teams
20 1988  Yugoslavia† 1st of 12 teams  United States 2nd of 12 teams
21 1992  Yugoslavia† Defunct  United States 4th of 12 teams
22 1996  Italy 3rd of 12 teams  Spain 1st of 12 teams
23 2000  Spain 4th of 12 teams  Croatia 7th of 12 teams
24 2004  Hungary 1st of 12 teams  Russia 3rd of 12 teams
25 2008  Hungary 1st of 12 teams  Serbia and Montenegro† Defunct
26 2012  Hungary 5th of 12 teams  United States 8th of 12 teams
27 2016  Croatia 2nd of 12 teams  Italy 3rd of 12 teams
28 2020  Serbia 1st of 12 teams  Croatia 5th of 12 teams
# Year Defending champions Finish Defending runners-up Finish

Best finishes by team[]

The following table is pre-sorted by best finish (in descending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 8 August 2021.

Legend and abbreviation
  • Year* – As host team
  • Team† – Defunct team
  • Apps – Appearances
  • stats – Olympic water polo team statistics
Best finishes by team
Rk Men's team[1] Best finish Apps Confederation
1  Hungary (stats) Champions (1932, 1936, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1976, 2000, 2004, 2008) 23 Europe – LEN
2  Great Britain (stats) Champions (1900, 1908*, 1912, 1920) 11 Europe – LEN
3  Italy (stats) Champions (1948, 1960*, 1992) 21 Europe – LEN
 Yugoslavia† (stats) Champions (1968, 1984, 1988) 12 Europe – LEN
5  Serbia (stats) Champions (2016, 2020) 4 Europe – LEN
 Soviet Union† (stats) Champions (1972, 1980*) 9 Europe – LEN
7  Croatia (stats) Champions (2012) 7 Europe – LEN
 France (stats) Champions (1924*) 11 Europe – LEN
 Germany (stats) Champions (1928) 9 Europe – LEN
 Spain (stats) Champions (1996) 18 Europe – LEN
11  Belgium (stats) Runners-up (1900, 1908, 1920*, 1924) 11 Europe – LEN
12  United States (stats) Runners-up (1984*, 1988, 2008) 22 Americas – UANA
13  Greece (stats) Runners-up (2020) 16 Europe – LEN
 Russia (stats) Runners-up (2000) 3 Europe – LEN
 Serbia and Montenegro† (stats) Runners-up (2004) 1 Europe – LEN
 Sweden (stats) Runners-up (1912*) 8 Europe – LEN
17  Netherlands (stats) Third place (1948, 1976) 17 Europe – LEN
18 International Olympic Committee Unified Team†[b] (stats) Third place (1992) 1 Europe – LEN
 West Germany† (stats) Third place (1984) 5 Europe – LEN
 FR Yugoslavia†[e] (stats) Third place (2000) 2 Europe – LEN
21  Montenegro (stats) Fourth place (2008, 2012, 2016) 4 Europe – LEN
22  Austria Fourth place (1912) 3 Europe – LEN
 Japan (stats) Fourth place (1932) 9 Asia – AASF
 Romania (stats) Fourth place (1976) 9 Europe – LEN
25  Australia (stats) Fifth place (1984, 1992) 17 Oceania – OSA
26  Cuba Fifth place (1980) 5 Americas – UANA
27 Germany United Team of Germany† (stats) Sixth place (1956, 1960, 1964) 3 Europe – LEN
28  Brazil (stats) Sixth place (1920) 8 Americas – UANA
 Czechoslovakia† Sixth place (1924) 5 Europe – LEN
 East Germany† Sixth place (1968) 1 Europe – LEN
31  Egypt (stats) Seventh place (1948) 6 Africa – CANA
32  Malta Eighth place (1928) 2 Europe – LEN
33  Canada (stats) Ninth place (1976*) 4 Americas – UANA
 China Ninth place (1984) 3 Asia – AASF
 Ireland Ninth place (1924) 2 Europe – LEN
 Kazakhstan (stats) Ninth place (2000) 4 Asia – AASF
 South Africa Ninth place (1960) 3 Africa – CANA
38  Argentina Tenth place (1948) 4 Americas – UANA
 Mexico Tenth place (1976) 4 Americas – UANA
 Singapore Tenth place (1956) 1 Asia – AASF
41  Bulgaria Eleventh place (1972) 2 Europe – LEN
 Luxembourg Eleventh place (1928) 1 Europe – LEN
  Switzerland Eleventh place (1920) 5 Europe – LEN
44  India Twelfth place (1948) 2 Asia – AASF
 Iran Twelfth place (1976) 1 Asia – AASF
 Slovakia Twelfth place (2000) 1 Europe – LEN
 South Korea Twelfth place (1988*) 1 Asia – AASF
 Ukraine Twelfth place (1996) 1 Europe – LEN
49  Uruguay Thirteenth place (1936) 2 Americas – UANA
50  Iceland Fifteenth place (1936) 1 Europe – LEN
51  Chile Seventeenth place (1948) 1 Americas – UANA
52  Portugal Twentieth place (1952) 1 Europe – LEN
Rk Men's team Best finish Apps Confederation

Finishes in the top four[]

The following table is pre-sorted by total finishes in the top four (in descending order), number of Olympic gold medals (in descending order), number of Olympic silver medals (in descending order), number of Olympic bronze medals (in descending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 8 August 2021.

Legend
  • Year* – As host team
  • Team† – Defunct team
Rk Men's team[1] Total Champions Runners-up Third place Fourth place First Last
1  Hungary 17 9 (1932, 1936, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1976, 2000, 2004, 2008) 3 (1928, 1948, 1972) 4 (1960, 1968, 1980, 2020) 1 (1996) 1928 2020
2  Italy 11 3 (1948, 1960*, 1992) 2 (1976, 2012) 3 (1952, 1996, 2016) 3 (1956, 1964, 1968) 1948 2016
3  United States 9 3 (1984*, 1988, 2008) 3 (1924, 1932*, 1972) 3 (1920, 1952, 1992) 1920 2008
4  Yugoslavia† 8 3 (1968, 1984, 1988) 4 (1952, 1956, 1964, 1980) 1 (1960) 1952 1988
5  Soviet Union† 7 2 (1972, 1980*) 2 (1960, 1968) 3 (1956, 1964, 1988) 1956 1988
6  Belgium 7 4 (1900, 1908, 1920*, 1924) 2 (1912, 1936) 1 (1948) 1900 1948
7  Spain 6 1 (1996) 1 (1992*) 4 (1980, 1984, 2000, 2020) 1980 2020
8  Great Britain 5 4 (1900, 1908*, 1912, 1920) 1 (1928) 1900 1928
9  France 5 1 (1924*) 3 (1900*×2[c], 1928) 1 (1936) 1900 1936
10  Serbia 4 2 (2016, 2020) 2 (2008, 2012) 2008 2020
11  Sweden 4 1 (1912*) 2 (1908, 1920) 1 (1924) 1908 1924
12  Croatia 3 1 (2012) 2 (1996, 2016) 1996 2016
 Germany 1 (1928) 2 (1932, 1936*) 1928 1936
14  Netherlands 3 2 (1948, 1976) 1 (1908) 1908 1976
15  West Germany† 3 1 (1984) 2 (1972*, 1988) 1972 1988
16  Montenegro 3 3 (2008, 2012, 2016) 2008 2016
17  Russia 2 1 (2000) 1 (2004) 2000 2004
18  Greece 2 1 (2020) 1 (2004*) 2004 2020
19  Serbia and Montenegro† 1 1 (2004) 2004 2004
20  FR Yugoslavia†[e] 1 1 (2000) 2000 2000
International Olympic Committee Unified Team†[b] 1 (1992) 1992 1992
22  Austria 1 1 (1912) 1912 1912
 Japan 1 (1932) 1932 1932
 Romania 1 (1976) 1976 1976
Rk Men's team Total Champions Runners-up Third place Fourth place First Last

Medal table[]

The following table is pre-sorted by number of Olympic gold medals (in descending order), number of Olympic silver medals (in descending order), number of Olympic bronze medals (in descending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 31 December 2021.

Hungary is the most successful country in the men's Olympic water polo tournament, with nine gold, three silver and four bronze.[1]

Legend
  • Team† – Defunct team
RankMen's teamGoldSilverBronzeTotal
1 Hungary (HUN)93416
2 Yugoslavia (YUG)†3407
3 Italy (ITA)3238
4 Great Britain (GBR)[g]3003
5 Soviet Union (URS)†2237
6 Serbia (SRB)2024
7 United States (USA)[h]1449
8 Croatia (CRO)1203
 Germany (GER)1203
10 Spain (ESP)1102
11 France (FRA)[c]1023
12 Mixed team (ZZX)†1012
13 Belgium (BEL)0426
14 Sweden (SWE)0123
15 Russia (RUS)0112
 Serbia and Montenegro (SCG)†[e]0112
17 Greece (GRE)0101
18 Netherlands (NED)0022
19 Unified Team (EUN)†[b]0011
 West Germany (FRG)†0011
Totals (20 men's teams)28282985

Longest active appearance droughts[]

The following table is pre-sorted by number of Olympic tournaments missed (in descending order), year of the last appearance (in ascending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 8 August 2021.

Notes:

  • Does not include teams that have not yet made their first appearance at the Olympics or teams that no longer exist.
  • With the exception of 1916, 1940 and 1944, does not include droughts when the Olympic tournament was not held due to World War I and II.
Legend
  • Year* – As host team
Longest active appearance droughts
Rk Men's team[1] Last appearance Olympics missed Best finish Confederation
1  Ireland 1928 21 Ninth place Europe – LEN
 Luxembourg 1928 21 Eleventh place Europe – LEN
3  Iceland 1936 19 Fifteenth place Europe – LEN
 Malta 1936 19 Eighth place Europe – LEN
5  Chile 1948 18 Seventeenth place Americas – UANA
  Switzerland 1948 18 Eleventh place Europe – LEN
 Uruguay 1948 18 Thirteenth place Americas – UANA
8  Austria 1952 17 Fourth place Europe – LEN
 India 1952 17 Twelfth place Asia – AASF
 Portugal 1952 17 Twentieth place Europe – LEN
11  Singapore 1956 16 Tenth place Asia – AASF
12  Argentina 1960 15 Tenth place Americas – UANA
13  Belgium 1964 14 Runners-up Europe – LEN
14  Iran 1976 11 Twelfth place Asia – AASF
 Mexico 1976 11 Tenth place Americas – UANA
16  Bulgaria 1980 10 Eleventh place Europe – LEN
 Sweden 1980 10 Runners-up Europe – LEN
18  South Korea 1988* 8 Twelfth place Asia – AASF
19  Cuba 1992 7 Fifth place Americas – UANA
20  Ukraine 1996 6 Twelfth place Europe – LEN
21  Netherlands 2000 5 Third place Europe – LEN
 Slovakia 2000 5 Twelfth place Europe – LEN
23  Egypt 2004 4 Seventh place Africa – CANA
 Russia 2004 4 Runners-up Europe – LEN
25  Canada 2008 3 Ninth place Americas – UANA
 China 2008* 3 Ninth place Asia – AASF
 Germany 2008 3 Champions Europe – LEN
28  Great Britain 2012* 2 Champions Europe – LEN
 Romania 2012 2 Fourth place Europe – LEN
30  Brazil 2016* 1 Sixth place Americas – UANA
 France 2016 1 Champions Europe – LEN
32  Australia 2020 0 Fifth place Oceania – OSA
 Croatia 2020 0 Champions Europe – LEN
 Greece 2020 0 Runners-up Europe – LEN
 Hungary 2020 0 Champions Europe – LEN
 Italy 2020 0 Champions Europe – LEN
 Japan 2020* 0 Fourth place Asia – AASF
 Kazakhstan 2020 0 Ninth place Asia – AASF
 Montenegro 2020 0 Fourth place Europe – LEN
 Serbia 2020 0 Champions Europe – LEN
 South Africa 2020 0 Ninth place Africa – CANA
 Spain 2020 0 Champions Europe – LEN
 United States 2020 0 Runners-up Americas – UANA
Rk Men's team Last appearance Olympics missed Best finish Confederation

Longest appearance droughts overall[]

The following table is pre-sorted by number of Olympic tournaments missed (in descending order), year of the previous appearance (in ascending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 8 August 2021.

Notes:

  • Only includes droughts begun after a team's first appearance and until the team ceased to exist.
  • With the exception of 1916, 1940 and 1944, does not include droughts when the Olympic tournament was not held due to World War I and II.
Legend
  • Year* – As host team
  • Team† – Defunct team
Longest appearance droughts overall
Rk Men's team[1] Prev. appearance Next appearance Olympics missed Best finish Confederation
1  Ireland 1928 active 21 Ninth place Europe – LEN
 Luxembourg 1928 active 21 Eleventh place Europe – LEN
3  Iceland 1936 active 19 Fifteenth place Europe – LEN
 Malta 1936 active 19 Eighth place Europe – LEN
5  Chile 1948 active 18 Seventeenth place Americas – UANA
  Switzerland 1948 active 18 Eleventh place Europe – LEN
 Uruguay 1948 active 18 Thirteenth place Americas – UANA
8  Austria 1952 active 17 Fourth place Europe – LEN
 India 1952 active 17 Twelfth place Asia – AASF
 Portugal 1952 active 17 Twentieth place Europe – LEN
11  Singapore 1956 active 16 Tenth place Asia – AASF
12  Argentina 1960 active 15 Tenth place Americas – UANA
13  South Africa 1960 2020 14 Ninth place Africa – CANA
 Belgium 1964 active 14 Runners-up Europe – LEN
15  Great Britain 1956 2012* 13 Champions Europe – LEN
16  Czechoslovakia† 1936 1992 11 Sixth place Europe – LEN
 Iran 1976 active 11 Twelfth place Asia – AASF
 Mexico 1976 active 11 Tenth place Americas – UANA
19  Bulgaria 1980 active 10 Eleventh place Europe – LEN
 Sweden 1980 active 10 Runners-up Europe – LEN
21  Germany 1952 1992 9 Champions Europe – LEN
22  Egypt 1968 2004 8 Seventh place Africa – CANA
 South Korea 1988* active 8 Twelfth place Asia – AASF
24  Brazil 1984 2016* 7 Sixth place Americas – UANA
 Japan 1984 2016 7 Fourth place Asia – AASF
 Cuba 1992 active 7 Fifth place Americas – UANA
27  France 1960 1988 6 Champions Europe – LEN
 Ukraine 1996 active 6 Twelfth place Europe – LEN
29  Canada 1984 2008 5 Ninth place Americas – UANA
 Netherlands 2000 active 5 Third place Europe – LEN
 Slovakia 2000 active 5 Twelfth place Europe – LEN
32  Greece 1948 1968 4 Runners-up Europe – LEN
 China 1988 2008* 4 Ninth place Asia – AASF
 Russia 2004 active 4 Runners-up Europe – LEN
35  Italy 1924 1948 3 Champions Europe – LEN
 Spain 1952 1968 3 Champions Europe – LEN
 Romania 1980 1996 3 Fourth place Europe – LEN
1996 2012 3
38  United States 1972 1984* 2 Runners-up Americas – UANA
39  Hungary 1912 1924 1 Champions Europe – LEN
1980 1988 1
 Australia 1964 1972 1 Fifth place Oceania – OSA
1992 2000* 1
 West Germany† 1976 1984 1 Third place Europe – LEN
 Soviet Union† 1980* 1988 1 Champions Europe – LEN
 Kazakhstan 2004 2012 1 Ninth place Asia – AASF
2012 2020 1
44 Germany United Team of Germany† 1964 defunct 0 Sixth place Europe – LEN
 East Germany† 1968 defunct 0 Sixth place Europe – LEN
 Yugoslavia† 1988 defunct 0 Champions Europe – LEN
International Olympic Committee Unified Team†[b] 1992 defunct 0 Third place Europe – LEN
 FR Yugoslavia†[e] 2000 defunct 0 Third place Europe – LEN
 Serbia and Montenegro† 2004 defunct 0 Runners-up Europe – LEN
 Croatia 2020 active 0 Champions Europe – LEN
 Montenegro 2020 active 0 Fourth place Europe – LEN
 Serbia 2020 active 0 Champions Europe – LEN
Rk Men's team Prev. appearance Next appearance Olympics missed Best finish Confederation

Team records[]

Teams having equal quantities in the tables below are ordered by the tournament the quantity was attained in (the teams that attained the quantity first are listed first). If the quantity was attained by more than one team in the same tournament, these teams are ordered alphabetically. Last updated: 8 August 2021.

Legend
  • Year* – As host team
  • Team† – Defunct team

Appearances[]

Most appearances
23, Hungary (1912, 1924, 1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020).
Most appearances, never winning a title
21, United States (1920, 1924, 1928, 1932*, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1984*, 1988, 1992, 1996*, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016).
Most appearances, never finishing in the top two
17, Netherlands (1908, 1920, 1924, 1928*, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1992, 1996, 2000).
Most appearances, never winning a medal
16, Australia (1948, 1952, 1956*, 1960, 1964, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 2000*, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016).
Most appearances, never finishing in the top four
16, Australia (1948, 1952, 1956*, 1960, 1964, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 2000*, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016).
Fewest appearances
1, Luxembourg (1928), Iceland (1936), Chile (1948), Portugal (1952), Singapore (1956), East Germany† (1968), Iran (1976), South Korea (1988*), Unified Team†[b] (1992), Ukraine (1996), Slovakia (2000), Serbia and Montenegro† (2004).
Fewest appearances, winning a title
4, Serbia (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020).
Fewest appearances, finishing in the top two
1, Serbia and Montenegro† (2004).
Fewest appearances, finishing in the top two, active team
3, Russia (1996, 2000, 2004).
Fewest appearances, winning a medal
1, Unified Team†[b] (1992), Serbia and Montenegro† (2004).
Fewest appearances, winning a medal, active team
3, Russia (1996, 2000, 2004).
Fewest appearances, finishing in the top four
1, Unified Team†[b] (1992), Serbia and Montenegro† (2004).
Fewest appearances, finishing in the top four, active team
3, Austria (1912, 1936, 1952), Russia (1996, 2000, 2004).

Top four[]

Most titles won
9, Hungary (1932, 1936, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1976, 2000, 2004, 2008).
Most second-place finishes
4, Belgium (1900, 1908, 1920*, 1924), Yugoslavia† (1952, 1956, 1964, 1980).
Most third-place finishes
4, Hungary (1960, 1968, 1980, 2020).
Most fourth-place finishes
4, Spain (1980, 1984, 2000, 2020).
Most finishes in the top two
12, Hungary (1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1972, 1976, 2000, 2004, 2008).
Most finishes in the top two, never winning a title
4, Belgium (1900, 1908, 1920*, 1924).
Most finishes in the top three
16, Hungary (1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2020).
Most finishes in the top three, never winning a title
6, Belgium (1900, 1908, 1912, 1920*, 1924, 1936), United States (1924, 1932, 1972, 1984, 1988, 2008).
Most finishes in the top three, never finishing in the top two
2, Netherlands (1948, 1976).
Most finishes in the top four
17, Hungary (1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2020).
Most finishes in the top four, never winning a title
9, United States (1920, 1924, 1932*, 1952, 1972, 1984*, 1988, 1992, 2008).
Most finishes in the top four, never finishing in the top two
3, Netherlands (1908, 1948, 1976), West Germany† (1972*, 1984, 1988), Montenegro (2008, 2012, 2016).
Most finishes in the top four, never winning a medal
3, Montenegro (2008, 2012, 2016).
Fewest finishes in the top two, winning a title
1, France (1924*).
Fewest finishes in the top three, winning a title
2, Spain (1992*, 1996).
Fewest finishes in the top three, finishing in the top two
1, Serbia and Montenegro† (2004), Greece (2020).
Fewest finishes in the top four, winning a title
3, Germany (1928, 1932, 1936*), Croatia (1996, 2012, 2016).
Fewest finishes in the top four, finishing in the top two
1, Serbia and Montenegro† (2004).
Fewest finishes in the top four, finishing in the top two, active team
2, Russia (2000, 2004), Greece (2004, 2020).
Fewest finishes in the top four, winning a medal
1, Unified Team†[b] (1992), FR Yugoslavia† (2000), Serbia and Montenegro† (2004).
Fewest finishes in the top four, winning a medal, active team
2, Russia (2000, 2004), Greece (2004, 2020).

Consecutive[]

Most consecutive titles won
3, Great Britain (1908*–1912–1920), Hungary (2000–2004–2008).
Most consecutive second-place finishes
2, Belgium (1920*–1924), Germany (1932–1936*), Yugoslavia† (1952–1956), United States (1984*–1988).
Most consecutive third-place finishes
2, Serbia (2008–2012).
Most consecutive fourth-place finishes
3, Montenegro (2008–2012–2016).
Most consecutive finishes in the top two
6, Hungary (1928–1932–1936–1948–1952–1956).
Most consecutive finishes in the top three
12, Hungary (1928–1932–1936–1948–1952–1956–1960–1964–1968–1972–1976–1980).
Most consecutive finishes in the top four
12, Hungary (1928–1932–1936–1948–1952–1956–1960–1964–1968–1972–1976–1980).
Most consecutive appearances
19, Italy (1948–1952–1956–1960*–1964–1968–1972–1976–1980–1984–1988–1992–1996–2000–2004–2008–2012–2016–2020).
Biggest improvement in position in consecutive tournaments
Did not participate/qualify, then won the title, Germany (1924–1928), Italy (1936–1948).

Gaps[]

Longest gap between successive titles
24 years, Hungary (1976–2000).
Longest gap between successive second-place finishes
36 years, Italy (1976–2012).
Longest gap between successive third-place finishes
44 years, Italy (1952–1996).
Longest gap between successive fourth-place finishes
40 years, United States (1952–1992).
Longest gap between successive appearances in the top two
24 years, Hungary (1976–2000).
Longest gap between successive appearances in the top three
40 years, United States (1932*–1972).
Longest gap between successive appearances in the top four
40 years, Netherlands (1908–1948).
Longest gap between successive appearances
61 years, South Africa (1960–2020).

Debuting teams[]

Best finish by a debuting team
Champions, Great Britain (1900).
Best finish by a debuting team after 1900
Runners-up, Croatia (1996), Serbia and Montenegro† (2004).
Worst finish by a debuting team
20th position, Portugal (1952).
Worst finish by a debuting team after 1972
12th position (last position), Iran (1976), South Korea (1988*), Ukraine (1996), Slovakia (2000).

Host teams[]

Best finish by host team
Champions, Great Britain (1908*), France (1924*), Italy (1960*), Soviet Union† (1980*).
Worst finish by host team
Did not participate/qualify, (1952*).
Worst finish by host team that participates in the tournament
13th position, Great Britain (1948*).
Worst finish by host team that participates in the tournament after 1972
12th position (last position), South Korea (1988*), China (2008*), Great Britain (2012*).
Best finish by last host team
Champions, Great Britain (1912), Spain (1996).
Worst finish by last host team
Did not participate/qualify, Netherlands (1932), Germany (1948), Canada (1980), Soviet Union† (1984, withdrew), South Korea (1992), China (2012), Great Britain (2016), Brazil (2020).
Worst finish by last host team that participates in the tournament
15th position, Australia (1960).
Worst finish by last host team that participates in the tournament after 1972
9th position, Australia (2004).
Had its best performance as hosts
Champions, Great Britain (1908*), France (1924*), Italy (1960*), Soviet Union† (1980*).
Runners-up, Sweden (1912*), Belgium (1920*), United States (1984*).
9th position, Canada (1976*).
12th position, South Korea (1988*).
Had its worst performance as hosts
12th position, South Korea (1988*), China (2008*).
13th position, Great Britain (1948*).
Had its worst performance as hosts after 1972
12th position (last position), South Korea (1988*), China (2008*), Great Britain (2012*).

Defending champions[]

Best finish by defending champions
Champions, Great Britain (1912, 1920), Hungary (1936, 1956, 2004, 2008), Yugoslavia† (1988), Serbia (2020).
Worst finish by defending champions
Did not participate/qualify, Soviet Union† (1984, withdrew), Yugoslavia† (1992, defunct).
Worst finish by defending champions that participates in the next tournament
8th position, Great Britain (1924), Soviet Union† (1976).

Defending runners-up[]

Best finish by defending runners-up
Champions, Hungary (1932, 1952, 1976), Soviet Union† (1972), Spain (1996), Yugoslavia† (1968, 1984).
Worst finish by defending runners-up
Did not participate/qualify, Germany (1948), Serbia and Montenegro† (2008, defunct).
Worst finish by defending runners-up that participates in the next tournament
8th position, Italy (1980), United States (2012).

Population[]

Most populated country, participant
China (2008*), 1,324,655,000 (source)
Least populated country, participant
Iceland (1928), 104,000 (source)
Least populated country, participant, after 1972
Montenegro (2008), 616,000 (source)
Most populated country, hosts
China (2008*), 1,324,655,000 (source)
Least populated country, hosts
(1952*), 4,090,000 (source)
Most populated country, champions
Soviet Union† (1980*), more than 260,000,000 (source)
Least populated country, champions
Croatia (2012), 4,267,000 (source)
Most populated country, runners-up
United States (2008), 304,375,000 (source)
Least populated country, runners-up
Croatia (1996), 4,516,000 (source)
Most populated country, third place
Unified Team†[b] (1992), more than 280,000,000 (source)
Least populated country, third place
Sweden (1908), 5,404,000 (source)
Most populated country, fourth place
United States (1992), 256,514,000 (source)
Least populated country, fourth place
Montenegro (2008), 616,000 (source)

Confederation statistics[]

Number of teams by confederation[]

This is a summary of the total number of participating teams by confederation in each tournament. Last updated: 7 August 2021.

Legend
  •   – Forthcoming tournament
Confederation 00 04 08 12 20 24 28 32 36 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 00 04 08 12 16 20
Africa – CANA — — — — — — — — 1 2 — 2 1 1 — — — — — — — — 1 — — — 1
Americas – UANA — — — 2 1 2 2 2 4 4 1 3 2 4 4 3 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1
Asia – AASF — — — — — — 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 — 2 2 — — 1 1 1 1 1 2
Europe – LEN 7 4 6 10 12 12 2 13 11 13 7 9 8 9 10 7 10 6 8 9 11 9 8 8 9 8 7
Oceania – OSA — — — — — — — — 1 1 1 1 1 — 1 1 1 1 1 1 — 1 1 1 1 1 1
Total teams 7 4 6 12 13 14 5 16 18 21 10 16 13 15 16 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

Best performances by tournament[]

This is a summary of the best performances of each confederation in each tournament.[1] Last updated: 8 August 2021.

Note: italic number in header means unofficial tournament was held.

Legend
  •  1st  – Champions
  •  2nd  – Runners-up
  •  3rd  – Third place
  •  4th  – Fourth place
  •  Q  – Qualified for forthcoming tournament
Confederation 00 04 08 12 20 24 28 32 36 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 00 04 08 12 16 20
Africa – CANA — — — — — — — — 7th 10th — 9th 12th 15th — — — — — — — — 12th — — — 12th
Americas – UANA — — — 4th 3rd 7th 3rd 9th 10th 4th 5th 7th 9th 5th 3rd 7th 5th 2nd 2nd 4th 7th 6th 7th 2nd 8th 10th 6th
Asia – AASF — — — — — — 4th 14th 12th 21st 10th 14th 11th 12th 15th 12th — 9th 11th — — 9th 11th 12th 11th 12th 10th
Europe – LEN 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st
Oceania – OSA — — — — — — — — 18th 19th 9th 15th 10th — 12th 11th 7th 5th 8th 5th — 8th 9th 8th 7th 9th 9th
Total teams 7 4 6 12 13 14 5 16 18 21 10 16 13 15 16 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

All-time best performances[]

This is a summary of the best performances of each confederation at the Olympics.[1] Last updated: 8 August 2021.

Legend
  • Year* – As host team
  • Team† – Defunct team
Confederation Best performance Men's team
Africa – CANA 7th  Egypt (1948)
Americas – UANA 2nd  United States (1984*, 1988, 2008)
Asia – AASF 4th  Japan (1932)
Europe – LEN 1st  Croatia (2012),  France (1924*),  Germany (1928),  Great Britain (1900, 1908*, 1912, 1920),  Hungary (1932, 1936, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1976, 2000, 2004, 2008),  Italy (1948, 1960*, 1992),  Serbia (2016, 2020),  Soviet Union† (1972, 1980*),  Spain (1996),  Yugoslavia† (1968, 1984, 1988)
Oceania – OSA 5th  Australia (1984, 1992)

See also[]

Notes[]

  1. ^ At the 1932 Olympics, Brazil was disqualified after their players attacked the Hungarian referee at the end of their match against Germany. Their two matches were annulled. Therefore, Hungary and Japan won their games scheduled with Brazil, by forfeit. For more details, please see the Official Report of the 1932 Olympic Games (pp. 650–651), and here.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o In 1992, 12 of the 15 former Soviet Republics competed together as the Unified Team and marched under the Olympic Flag in the Barcelona Games.
  3. ^ a b c d France had four teams compete in 1900. Bronze medals were given to the losers of both semifinals; France took both bronze. Bill Burgess, a member of one of the French bronze team was a British nationality, so later IOC attributed one bronze medal to Mixed team.
  4. ^ The Olympic Committee of the Soviet Union was formed on 21 April 1951, and was recognised by the International Olympic Committee on 7 May 1951.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g After the breakup of Yugoslavia, FR Yugoslavia men's national water polo team participated at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, and won a bronze medal in 2000. In 2003, after the country was renamed from FR Yugoslavia to Serbia and Montenegro, the team was also renamed to "Serbia and Montenegro men's national water polo team". Despite the renaming of the country name, both team of FR Yugoslavia and team of Serbia and Montenegro represented the same national entity: a joint state of Montenegro and Serbia.
  6. ^ While Australia had qualified to compete as one of sixteen water polo teams, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) did not endorse them. The Australian players responded by paying their own way to travel to Mexico City, but the team were not allowed to compete. For more details, please see here (1, 2).
  7. ^ British team won gold medal in 1900. Victor Lindberg, a member of British team was a New Zealander, so later IOC attributed gold medal to Mixed team.
  8. ^ Previously IOC and International Swimming Federation (FINA) considered water polo event as part of unofficial program in 1904. However in july 2021 after accepting the recommendation of Olympic historian Bill Mallon, IOC recognized water polo event along with several others as official event of the Olympic program 1904. This gave the United States three medals at once: gold, silver and bronze.

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "HistoFINA – Water polo medalists and statistics" (PDF). fina.org. FINA. September 2019. p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on 1 August 2021. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
  2. ^ "Water polo men - Olympic Water Polo". olympic.org. International Olympic Committee. Retrieved 15 January 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ^ "Water Polo — Water Polo, Men". olympedia.org. Olympedia. Retrieved 15 January 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

Sources[]

Official Reports (IOC)[]

PDF documents in the LA84 Foundation Digital Library:

Official Results Books (IOC)[]

PDF documents in the LA84 Foundation Digital Library:

PDF documents on the FINA website:

PDF documents in the Olympic World Library:

PDF documents on the International Olympic Committee website:

Official Reports (FINA)[]

PDF documents on the FINA website:

Official website (IOC)[]

Water polo on the International Olympic Committee website:

Olympedia[]

Water polo on the Olympedia website:

Sports Reference[]

Water polo on the Sports Reference website:

Todor66[]

Water polo on the Todor66 website:

External links[]

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