The 2024 Paddle Australia Canoe Polo National Championships returned to Australia’s capital for the first time in 10 years over the Easter long weekend, with teams from across Australia making the trip to compete against the nation’s best.
The premier Canoe Polo event in Australia ran from Friday 29 – Sunday 31 March at Molonglo Reach, with more than 140 athletes descending on Lake Burley Griffin to compete across a range of categories.
Queensland and South Australia featured in both the Men’s and Women’s Open gold medal matches, with siblings Michael and Anna Thompson playing for the Championship title respectively.
“In the lead up to the gold medal game, excitement was in the air,” said Queensland representative, Michael.
“Minutes before the start of our game, the women’s team secured their gold and we were determined to do the same.
“Both teams came out with the highest intensity I had seen in the competition. South Australia were relentless, not giving us an inch.
“The support of the crowd and our teammates fueled us and lifted our game, and in the end nothing could match the elation we felt as the final buzzer sounded,” he said.
The win secured Queensland their first ever Open Men’s title at the national event.
“We have been building as a State and improving year over year and I am extremely proud of the team and how far we have come,” said Michael.
“We are all excited for this to be the first of many and hope this inspires all players to work hard and bring the best we have to offer for years to come.”
For younger sister Anna, the weekend was an exciting opportunity to play Canoe Polo and demonstrate the effort her and her team had put in over the past year.
“It feels really exciting to win gold, we’re definitely looking forward to defending our title in the future. I’m proud that Queensland can take home the Best Performing State Trophy as well,” she said.
“Our position is certainly the result of many years of hard work, effort and dedication, both individually and as a team. I’m so grateful to be part of a team of amazing women and talented polo players,” Anna finished.
Canoe Polo National Championships 2024
Under 18’s
1st – Draft
2nd – Tasmania
Under 21’s
1st – Tasmania
2nd – Australian Capital Territory
3rd – South Australia
Over 35’s
1st – South Australia
2nd – Australian Capital Territory
Over 45’s
1st – New South Wales
2nd – Tasmania
3rd – Australian Capital Territory
Grandmasters – Over 55’s
1st – Queensland
2nd – New South Wales
3rd – Tasmania
4th – New South Wales
Open Women
1st – Queensland
2nd – South Australia
3rd – Australian Capital Territory A
4th – Draft
5th – Victoria
6th – Australian Capital Territory B
Open Men
1st – Queensland A
2nd – South Australia A
3rd – Australian Capital Territory
4th – New South Wales
5th – Victoria
6th – South Australia B
7th – Queensland B
Best Performing State
1st – Queensland
2nd – Australian Capital Territory
3rd – South Australia
