Men's Water Polo

Great Britain won the first four Olympic Gold medals in Water Polo. Water polo was first entered in the Olympics of 1900. The only two teams were Great Britain and Belgium. Great Britain beat Belgium 7-2 in the final. In 1908, Britain again beat Belgium 9-2 in the final. Due to Austria's late withdrawl, this was the British teams only game. In 1912, Britain took Gold ahead of Sweden (8-0) and in 1920 Britain again beat Belgium (3-2) in the final.

Form

Earlier this month, the British team took part in the Southern Cross International Cup in Auckland, New Zealand. Great Britain played World Champions Serbia (lost 5-21), Canada (5-9), USA (4-17), Italy (3-17), Russia (9-19) and New Zealand (won 9-6).

The 2007 European B Championships will be held at the Manchester Aquatic Centre. This event is the focus for providing a competitive British team for London 2012.

Qualification

The Men's Water polo competition is a 12 team event. The competitors will be;

• China - Host nation
• Top three at FINA World Championships (Melbourne, 17 March 17 - 1 April 2007)
• Winner of All-African Games (Algiers, 5-20 July 2007)
• Winner of Pan American Games (Rio de Janeiro, 13-29 July 2007)
• Winner of European Qualification Tournament (2-9 September 2007, venue to be decided after World Championships)
• Winner of 2007 World League (Super Final in Berlin on 7-12 August 2007)
• Winner of Oceania Championships (2008)
• Top three at Olympic Qualification Tournament (Oradea, 1-? March 2008)

What to see

Definately not a medal chance, as there is no liklihood of a British team reaching Beijing, as there is no liklihood of a British team, but we may look to see a preliminary session as part of the overal Olympic experience.