Identifying the Rising Stars, 5X Olympian Backs Next Generational Water Polo Talents Following 2024 Doha Glory

Anthony Azevedo stands out to be one of the best-known names in water polo. The Brazilian-born American Olympian has embraced his share of glory owning Olympic silver and 61 goals for the games’ record. So, as the next generational talent takes over the sport today, Tony cannot help but hold a keen eye on rising names as an eager witness.

Tony Azevedo recently made his presence known at the Doha 2024 showcase, announcing the games. Acknowledging the changes and the growth water polo has incurred since his time, the 5-time Olympian picked his top 5 talents holding a leading potential.

Rising talents through the Olympian’s lens

Tony Azevedo assumed an announcer’s role with the commencement of Doha 2024, where he stood to spot the names itching to climb the ladder to the pinnacle. Talking to World Aquatics about it, one of the first names on his list was revealed to be Thomas Vernoux of France. “I think he’s going to change the sport,” the Olympian remarked. Vernoux led his team to the historic semi-final stage during the Doha clash. And Tony rightly believes the 21-year-old to be one of the fastest in the industry.

The Olympian’s list next included Francesco Condemi from Italy. “He’s not just one of the best young players, he’s one of the best players in the world right now,” Tony adds. The youngster has been bought by Pro Recco and helped the team get to finals at Doha.

He was further followed by Ryder Dodd from the US. The 18-year-old who holds MVP honors from the 2022 Pan Am Championships, caught Tony’s eyes with his passion. “The two things in him that remind me of are his passion. And he’s a pool rat,” the Olympian says. Dodd’s strength, flexibility, and ‘proper technique’ are what Tony next highlights.

Bernat Sanahuja from Spain made the list next for Tony Azevedo. The 2020 Olympian secured a bronze alongside his team at Doha and impressed Azevedo with his ‘water polo IQ’. “He’s extremely smart. He’s in the right place at the right time,” the icon observes.

To finish off the list, the 5-time Olympian had goalie Unai Aguirre from Spain marked for dedication. “He studies every single shooter. He has a book for each shooter, or for each team, he plays against,” Tony adds as he continues to lend his experience to the sport.

Tony Azevedo’s water polo involvement

Since retiring from the sport, Tony Azevedo has been a known announcer on coveted stages. However, his involvement in the sport majorly steps in with his developmental aim. He wishes to ‘take water polo out of the medieval ages,’ working alongside fellow Olympian Maggie Steffens.

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The two’s project aims to help coaches and athletes understand their standing and performance in their training. “Helps athletes understand where they’re strong, weak, and how to get to a level like their idols,” Tony reveals. On the off-court, the Olympian continues to help lead the sport.

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