Australia's Women Reach Olympic Water Polo Final

Australia's women's water polo team, the Stingers, achieved a historic upset by defeating three-time defending champions the USA in a thrilling penalty shootout, advancing to the Olympic gold medal match for the first time in 24 years. The match, held at La Defense Arena, ended regulation time tied at 8-8, leading to a nail-biting shootout where Australia triumphed 6-5. This victory marks the first time since the inaugural women's water polo event in Sydney 2000 that Australia has reached the final, and they are guaranteed their first medal since 2012. Captain Zoe Arancini and goalkeeper Gabriella Palm were instrumental in this win, with Palm making a crucial save during the shootout. The Stingers will face Spain in the final after Spain's own dramatic shootout victory over the Netherlands. This match is seen as a significant moment for Australian women's water polo, inspiring future generations of players.