Aussie Stingers Mark 2 Years to LA2028 in Brisbane

Preparations are intensifying for the Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers, who today celebrated the two years to go until the LA 2028 Olympic Games milestone in true high performance style… a double training session. 

The 15-strong team has been training across Brisbane, before they head to Sydney later this week for final preparations ahead of the World Cup Finals which will be held at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. 

Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers Captain and New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder Bronte Halligan said she is excited to return to her hometown of Sydney for the World Cup Final. 

The 29 year old, who was four years old during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, remembers how much it inspired her and she’s hoping the Water Polo World Cup Finals will do the same for young fans. 

“Sydney inspired me as a young girl to want to play sport, to love sport and to enjoy every single moment.  

“And then I fell in love with water polo and then I heard the story of the Aussie Stingers [Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medalists] and it just made me fall in love even more. 

“Our Aussie Stingers have such a special history at Sydney Olympic Park, and I can’t wait to use that somehow as a special little super power… and hopefully create our own legacy at Sydney Olympic Park,” she said. 

Brisbane local and Paris Olympic silver medalist Abby Andrews said while their sights are on the World Cup Finals, being in Brisbane training has inspired them knowing it will be the future Olympic host city. 

“A home Olympics is what ever kids dream of and to be an athlete potentially playing in one of them would be insane. 

“For Sydney, my whole family is coming… its going to be huge. They are going to love it,” she said. 

Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers Head Coach Bec Rippon said the team has come back together well and preparations are looking good, and while all focus is on the World Cup, they always have one eye on LA28. 

“We are working on us, working on our game plans for the World Cup.  Everything we talk about is for now but also with a view of qualifying and competing in LA as well. 

“There is good excitement and energy in the team and trying to enjoy the moment of having this tournament in Australia,” she said. 

The World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Finals will be held at Sydney Olympic Park from 22-26 July 2026.  Tickets on sale – click here.