The captain of the Australian 2000 Olympic water polo team that made history when they won gold in front of the home crowd in Sydney, is one of the 17 honorees who will enter the International Swimming Hall of Fame as the Class of 2017.

Bridgette Gusterson was born on February 7, 1973, in Perth, Western Australia and started playing water polo at the Bicton pool along with her older sister, Danielle.

She made her first Australian National Team appearance in 1992 and subsequently represented her country in 212 international matches, scoring more than 400 goals.

As a feared centre forward, Bridgette became the first Australian woman ever to receive a professional contract to play in Europe.

After assuming captaincy of the Australian team in 1998, the Australian Olympic Organizing Committee added women’s water polo for the first time to the Olympic program in 2000. Thus, Bridgette led the team to victory in the first women’s Olympic tournament, sharing the triumph with her sister and teammate, Danielle.

Gusterson retired after the 2000 Olympic Games, but continues to be involved in the sport as a coach. She resides in Perth with her husband Gary Ireland (former World Champion swimmer and surf lifesaver) and their son Kalani.

The induction ceremony will be held in August 25-27 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  WPWAI would like to congratulate Bridgette, a true pioneer of women’s water polo.