Arancini calls time on international career

Zoe Arancini has announced her retirement from international water polo, concluding an illustrious 16-year career that has cemented the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder as one of the sport’s most respected figures. Arancini made her debut for the Aussie Stingers in 2009 and went on to amass 330 international caps (highest WA female athlete capped), representing Australia at the highest level across four Olympic cycles.

Her career highlights include three Olympic Games appearances – Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 – and seven FINA World Championships, where she claimed a silver medal in 2013 and bronze in 2019. Her career culminated in captaining the Stingers to the silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Having achieved podium success at every major international competition in world water polo, Arancini said the timing felt right to step away, with the Stingers’ recent Olympic silver providing the perfect bookend to her journey.

“I’ve done this for 16 years now, and to finish on such an amazing note at Paris 2024 is pretty special,” Arancini said. “I’m ready for the next chapter of my life… I know it’s the right decision because I’m happy, I’m content, and it’s my choice. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved, and I’m so excited for the next generation to step in.”

Reflecting on her journey, Arancini said it’s the people and memories along the way that will stay with her.

“I still remember making the Aussie Stingers squad for the first time – it doesn’t feel that long ago, but it was 2009!” Arancini said. “Winning silver at the 2013 World Championships in Barcelona was incredibly special, especially after missing out on the London Olympics. Then to be selected for Rio 2016 was a dream come true, and to captain the team to silver in Paris 2024 – that’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”

“There have been some amazing and challenging moments that have shaped not only my career but also the person I’ve become. Thank you to everyone who’s played a part in this journey, which started way back when I was a 12-year-old playing Flippa Ball at Melville.”

Although stepping back from the international stage, Arancini won’t be lost to the sport. While focusing on her next chapter outside the pool, she will continue to give back by playing domestically for Melville and Fremantle next summer – helping to support and mentor the next generation of Australian athletes.