Men's water polo was played during the 1900 Paris Olympics. It has been contested at all Games since 1908. By far the greatest exponents of water polo have been the Hungarians. Between 1928 and 1980, Hungary never failed to win a medal at the Olympics, and took home 6 of 10 possible gold medals between 1932 and 1976. Despite the fact that Hungary did not compete in 1984, a team from that country did win one Olympic bronze medal between 1980 and 1996. In 2000, Hungary came back to win its 7th water polo gold medal.

Women's water polo made its Olympic debut during the 2000 Sydney Games. The Australian team became the first to win gold in this new event.

(BOCOG)