49 water polo high performance (men) P high performance (women) P Total investment 2016–17: $3,545,950 (high performance: $3,215,750; participation $200,000; other $130,200) ASC funding as a percentage of total income: 56% The Water Polo performance for both the women and men were below expectations in Rio. Performances across the cycle suggested the programs were on track with a medal for the women; and a top-eight result for the men. The program achieved medal placings at all but one international tournament across the Olympic cycle. The women lost the quarterfinal in Rio and the men’s team finished just outside the top eight. Both teams suffered injuries during the Olympic campaign, testing the depth of quality players in key positions. The leadership and management of the program progressed throughout the cycle and the operations manager has positively impacted the program. The schedule enabled athletes to experience the correct amount of international competition in the Olympic year but an increase in quality and quantity of high-pressure games is a focus for the next cycle. Over the Rio cycle this program continued to develop new athletes in an attempt to increase the player depth with international experience in the women’s program. The introduction of a national junior program was a positive but was impacted as the Olympics neared with the junior head coach also a national assistant coach. Governance commentary Water Polo has improved its governance performance and performs well when benchmarked against other Australia’s Winning Edge sports. It should prioritise the need to develop a whole of sport strategic plan, improve their gender balance and focus on developing its sports science and sports medicine framework. 2016 benchmark event // Olympic Games (men) medal target 0–1 actual gold 0 silver 0 bronze 0 total 0 non-medal target achieved Y 2016 benchmark event // Olympic Games (women) medal target 1 actual gold 0 silver 0 bronze 0 total 0