Paris Olympic Games Moreton Bay Coverage - August 9
Published 5:30am 9 August 2024
Charlize Andrews and Alice Williams, from North Brisbane Polo Bears at Albany Creek, will be going for Olympic gold in Paris tomorrow after a sensational performance this morning.
Australia scored another upset this morning with a stunning penalty shootout 14-13 victory over the US, three-time Olympic gold medallists and current world champions.
There were tears of joy on the pool deck and in the stands after what commentators said was “one of the greatest upsets in water polo history, possibly Olympic history”.
“I’m just ecstatic, I’m over the moon,” Zoe Arancini told Channel Nine, “I don’t think it is all registering, to be honest.”
“When Gabby saved the last penalty I was already cheering. I think half the crew were like … have we won? Yes, we’ve won!
“We’ll celebrate this win then we’ve got the next match, the gold medal match to get ready for, which is unbelievable.”
The Stingers will face Spain, who beat Netherlands 19-18, in the battle for gold at 11.35pm AEST tomorrow.
Both sides topped their pools, both sides won their semi-finals in penalty shootouts and both sides are unbeaten in six matches at the Paris Games.
It followed a nail-biting 8-8 draw in which Australia had more possession (53 per cent to 47 per cent) but never led in normal time.
Charlize Andrews, a former St Paul’s School student at Bald Hills who joined Polo Bears 13 years ago, scored one of Australia’s goals as they battled back from 5-2 down.
Like Alice Williams, she has played for Polo Bears' Queensland Premier League-winning team, coached by Naomi McCarthy, who won gold with Australia in Sydney 200 Games.
The shootout was faultless until the 12th penalty when Australian keeper Gabby Palm stretched out her right hand to send Australia into the final.
Related Stories
Top Stories
Join in Great Southern BioBlitz
Nature-lovers and eco warriors are being urged to take part in the Great Southern BioBlitz from September 20-23. There’s plenty happening in the City of Moreton Bay. Here’s the details
Popular Stories
Celebrate Melbourne Cup in style at Tempest
Celebrate the race that stops the nation with a mouthwatering three-course luncheon and drink package. See what's on the menu here
Gallery: All the colour of Vietjet Redcliffe KiteFest 2024
The school holidays got off to a flying start, with more than 30,000 people flocking to the 2024 Vietjet Redcliffe KiteFest.
Dolphins to face Devils in Grand Final
The Redcliffe Dolphins pulled off a stunning golden point victory over minor premiers Northern Pride to qualify for the 2024 Hostplus Cup Grand Final at the weekend