Overnight they managed to top Canada in their quarter-final to progress to the semi-final stage. They now face a rematch with home side Russia for a place in the Final. Tune into FINAtv to catch them in action or follow the Water Polo Australia Twitter updates!

Fast Facts

Full Name: Bronwen Knox
Nickname: Bron
Age: 32
Started Playing: 2000
Position: Centre Forward (CF) / Centre Back (CB)
Preferred Cap No: #6
First Club: North Brisbane Polo Bears
Current Club/Team: Queensland Breakers
Fun fact: Currently completing my 3rd Degree

Veteran Stinger Bronwen ‘Bron’ Knox has rejoined the National team after taking some time away from the sport following Rio 2016. We were lucky to catch up with Bron ahead of the World Cup.

TWG: You took some time off after the Rio Olympics to focus on your Law Degree. How important was that break for you to help you decide to go for a 4th Olympic campaign?

BK: Taking 12 months to focus on my life away from sport was imperative to both continuing in the sport and looking after my well-being.

As water polo athlete it’s not a sporting career that sets you up financially or professionally for later on in life. In taking the time I needed to work out how I was going to support myself in the future and what I was passionate about away from the pool really helped to give me direction for the future.

Returning to the sport, I had a clearer idea of what I want my life to look like when I retire (from water polo) and I feel a lot more comfortable in my ability to achieve those goals.

TWG: How are you feeling getting back in the National squad routine?

BK:The first tour back was the toughest. I went from being independent and eating when I was hungry, to having to a schedule with days pretty much mapped out for us (the team), and moving as a unit rather than an individual piece.

It was the out of the water stuff that required more effort to get back in sync with; being back in the water was like coming home.

Bron has been playing water polo for more than 18 years; 13 of those years has been spent playing at the international level.

While she was in Spain with the National squad in preparation for the World Cup earlier this year, Knox clocked up her 350th game. With test matches leading up to the World Cup and now playing in Russia, Knox has surpassed that number, making her the most capped Australian Water Polo Player.

TWG: You recently celebrated your 350th game in Spain. What do you put your longevity down to? What keeps you motivated?

BK: 350 international games really snuck up on me. Aside from looking after my body, training smarter not harder, I still really enjoy the thrill of competition and the camaraderie that comes from team sports.

I’ve been training at a high level since I was 17, now 15 years later it has become a way of life. I enjoy the early mornings (maybe not so much in winter), pushing the boundaries of where I was yesterday and seeing what results I can achieve.

Bron’s stellar water polo career has seen her make many finals appearances including World Cups, World Championships and the Olympics. Here at TWG we will be cheering the Stingers on, to see them make the Finals once again in Russia.

TWG: You’ve been part of a number of medal winning Stingers teams (FINA World Cup Gold & Silver, FINA World League Silver & Bronze, 2x FINA World Championship Silver and of course 2x Olympic Bronze). How do you see the Aussie Stinger’s chances at the World Cup in Russia?

BK: The World Cup will be interesting.  We have a relatively tough pool, so every game will be important.

To add a kicker, we will be trialling some new rules set to be introduced for Tokyo2020, such as going from 13 players to 11 players. It will definitely add some difficulty to the tournament.

Aside from playing for the Aussie Stingers and completing her 3rd Degree, Bron also gives back to the sport that has given her so much by coaching Club and junior Queensland representative teams at numerous tournaments throughout the year; an amazing mentor and role model for up-and-coming athletes!

TWG: What advice would you give to aspiring female athletes?

BK: Embrace your fears. Fear of failing and being vulnerable can hold us back.

By embracing that vulnerability and fear, we build the foundations to our confidence and can put all parts of ourselves on the line to achieve some special.

You can see Bron and the Aussie Stingers take on Russia tonight (Saturday, 8 September at 9.30pm AEST) in the World Cup semi-finals on FINAtv or follow Water Polo Australia on Twitter and Facebook for updates.