City of Karratha’s own Olympic champion Simone Fountain recognised among the world’s aquatic greats.
Simone began playing water polo at just 15 years of age and made her first national team that same year.
She went on to represent Australia for 12 years, finishing her international career at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, which was the first Games to include women’s water polo.
“To go on and win at that Olympic Games was really wonderful, particularly because we were in front of a home crowd, but for me I was in front of my family who live in Sydney,” Simone said.
“I was really lucky to be part of the last couple of seconds of that game, gave the assist to Yvette Higgins who scored our winning goal with 0.3 seconds on the clock.”
Reflecting on her Hall of Fame honour, Simone said the recognition extends beyond that defining Olympic moment.
“It was one of the reasons that I was nominated for the International Hall of Fame but also everything I’ve done since I retired,” she said.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time in the regions of WA, both the Kimberley and the Pilbara, helping our community members can have access to learn to play water polo.”
Now as Community Facilities Manager, Simone plays a key role in ensuring residents have access to high-quality facilities and programs that support active, healthy lifestyles.
“It is a bit of a dream job, assisting people to have access to environments to recreate and be physically active.
“I’ve been with the City for a year now, and I love working for the organisation, my colleagues are fantastic. We’ve got great teams of people making sure we have facilities, services and programs for people to be able to engage.”