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Illustrated History of Olympic Water Polo

By , About.com Guide

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1800's - The Origins of Water Polo
Early Water Polo

In this version the goalie stood on the pool deck and jumped in the water to stop a shot or s shooter.

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Water polo started in Europe and in the USA. It later merging into one game, favoring the European style of play, around 1914. It became an Olympic sport in 1900, with women's polo added in 2000.
  • 1800's - The game started as a water version of rugby in England sometime in the mid-1800's.

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