# List of women's Olympic water polo tournament records and statistics

This is a list of records and statistics of the women's Olympic water polo tournament since the inaugural official edition in 2000.

## Abbreviations

| Rk | Rank | Ref | Reference | (C) | Captain |
| Pos | Playing position | FP | Field player | GK | Goalkeeper |
| L/R | Handedness | L | Left-handed | R | Right-handed |
| p. | page | pp. | pages | | |

## General statistics

This is a summary of women's water polo at the Summer Olympics by tournament.
The following table shows winning teams, coaches and captains by tournament. Last updated: 31 August 2024.

### Legend

* Team – Olympic winning streak (winning three or more Olympic titles in a row)
* Team – Winning all matches during the tournament
* Team – Host team
* Team$^†$ – Defunct team
Winning teams, coaches and captains by tournament :
| # | Women's tournament | Winning team | Winning coach | Winning captain |
| 1 | Sydney 2000 | Australia (1st title) | István Görgényi | — |
| 2 | Athens 2004 | Italy (1st title) | Pierluigi Formiconi | Carmela Allucci |
| 3 | Beijing 2008 | Netherlands (1st title) | Robin van Galen | Yasemin Smit |
| 4 | London 2012 | United States (1st title) | Adam Krikorian | Brenda Villa |
| 5 | Rio 2016 | United States (2nd title) | Adam Krikorian (2) | Maggie Steffens |
| 6 | Tokyo 2020 | United States (3rd title) | Adam Krikorian (3) | Maggie Steffens (2) |
| 7 | Paris 2024 | Spain (1st title) | Miki Oca | Pili Peña |
The following table shows top goalscorers, goalkeepers, sprinters and Most Valuable Players by tournament. Last updated: 31 August 2024.
Notes:
* Top goalscorer: the water polo player who scored the most goals in a tournament.
* Top goalkeeper: the water polo player who saved the most shots in a tournament.
* Top sprinter: the water polo player who won the most sprints in a tournament.
* Most Valuable Player: the water polo player who was named the Most Valuable Player of a tournament.

### Legend and abbreviation

* Team – Olympic winning streak
* Team – Winning all matches during the tournament
* Team – Host team
* Team$^†$ – Defunct team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with her team
* Eff % – Save efficiency (Saves / Shots)
Top goalscorers, goalkeepers, sprinters and Most Valuable Players by tournament :
| Year | Winning team | Top goalscorer (Goals) | Top goalkeeper (Saves, Eff %) | Top sprinter (Sprints won) | Most Valuable Player (Goals or Saves, Eff %) |
| 2000 | Australia | Daniëlle de Bruijn (11) Bridgette Gusterson$^‡$ (11) Sofia Konukh (11) | Karla Plugge (45, 55.6%) | Tatiana Petrova (16) | — |
| 2004 | Italy | Tania Di Mario$^‡$ (14) | Jacqueline Frank (41, 60.3%) | Kyriaki Liosi (21) | Tania Di Mario$^‡$ (14 goals) |
| 2008 | Netherlands | Daniëlle de Bruijn$^‡$ (17) | Elizabeth Armstrong (49, 53.3%) | Wang Yi (18) | — |
| 2012 | United States | Maggie Steffens$^‡$ (21) | Elena Gigli (56, 53.3%) | Kate Gynther (21) Jennifer Pareja (21) | Maggie Steffens$^‡$ (21 goals) |
| 2016 | United States | Maggie Steffens$^‡$ (17) | Giulia Gorlero (65, 61.3%) | Rachel Fattal$^‡$ (17) | Maggie Steffens$^‡$ (17 goals) |
| 2020 | United States | Simone van de Kraats (28) | Ashleigh Johnson$^‡$ (80, 64.5%) | Vanda Vályi (27) | Maddie Musselman$^‡$ (18 goals) |
| 2024 | Spain | Alice Williams (21) | Ashleigh Johnson (80, 63%) | Vanda Vályi (22) | Alice Williams (21 goals) |

## Confederation statistics
### Best performances by tournament

This is a summary of the best performances of each confederation in each tournament. Last updated: 7 August 2021.

#### Legend

* 1st – Champions
* 2nd – Runners-up
* 3rd – Third place
* 4th – Fourth place
* Q – Qualified for forthcoming tournament
| Confederation | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 |
| Africa – CANA | — | — | — | — | — | 10th | — |
| Americas – UANA | 2nd | 3rd | 2nd | 1st | 1st | 1st | 4th |
| Asia – AASF | 6th | 8th | 5th | 5th | 7th | 8th | 10th |
| Europe – LEN | 3rd | 1st | 1st | 2nd | 2nd | 2nd | 1st |
| Oceania – OSA | 1st | 4th | 3rd | 3rd | 6th | 5th | 2nd |
| Total teams | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 |

### All-time best performances

This is a summary of the best performances of each confederation at the Olympics. Last updated: 15 January 2021.

#### Legend

* Year$^*$ – As host team
| Confederation | Best performance | Women's team |
| Africa – CANA | 10th | South Africa (2020) |
| Americas – UANA | 1st | United States (2012, 2016, 2020) |
| Asia – AASF | 5th | China (2008$^*$, 2012) |
| Europe – LEN | 1st | Italy (2004), Netherlands (2008) Spain (2024) |
| Oceania – OSA | 1st | Australia (2000$^*$) |

## Team statistics
### Comprehensive team results by tournament

Note: Results of Olympic qualification tournaments are not included.

#### Legend

* 1st – Champions
* 2nd – Runners-up
* 3rd – Third place
* 4th – Fourth place
* Q – Qualified for forthcoming tournament
* – Hosts

#### Abbreviation

* stats – Olympic water polo team statistics
Africa – CANA (1 team) :
| Women's team | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 | Years |
| South Africa | | | | | | 10th | WD | 1 |
| Americas – UANA (3 teams) |||||||||
| Women's team | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 | Years |
| Brazil | | | | | 8th | | | 1 |
| Canada (stats) | 5th | 7th | | | | 7th | 8th | 4 |
| United States (stats) | 2nd | 3rd | 2nd | 1st | 1st | 1st | 4th | 7 |
| Asia – AASF (3 teams) |||||||||
| Women's team | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 | Years |
| China (stats) | | | 5th | 5th | 7th | 8th | 10th | 5 |
| Japan | | | | | | 9th | | 1 |
| Kazakhstan | 6th | 8th | | | | | | 2 |
| Europe – LEN (9 teams) |||||||||
| Women's team | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 | Years |
| France | | | | | | | 9th | 1 |
| Great Britain | | | | 8th | | | | 1 |
| Greece (stats) | | 2nd | 8th | | | | 7th | 3 |
| Hungary (stats) | | 6th | 4th | 4th | 4th | 3rd | 5th | 6 |
| Italy (stats) | | 1st | 6th | 7th | 2nd | | 6th | 5 |
| Netherlands (stats) | 4th | | 1st | | | 6th | 3rd | 4 |
| ROC (stats) | | | | | | 4th | | 1 |
| Russia (stats) | 3rd | 5th | 7th | 6th | 3rd | | | 5 |
| Spain (stats) | | | | 2nd | 5th | 2nd | 1st | 4 |
| Oceania – OSA (1 team) |||||||||
| Women's team | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 | Years |
| Australia (stats) | 1st | 4th | 3rd | 3rd | 6th | 5th | 2nd | 7 |
| Total teams | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | |

### Number of appearances by team

The following table is pre-sorted by number of appearances (in descending order), year of the last appearance (in ascending order), year of the first appearance (in ascending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 7 August 2021.

#### Legend and abbreviation

* Year$^*$ – As host team
* Apps – Appearances
* stats – Olympic water polo team statistics
Number of appearances by team :
| Rk | Women's team | Apps | Record streak | Active streak | Debut | Most recent | Best finish | Confederation |
| 1 | Australia (stats) | 7 | 7 | 7 | 2000$^*$ | 2024 | Champions | Oceania – OSA |
| 1 | United States (stats) | 6 | 7 | 7 | 2000 | 2024 | Champions | Americas – UANA |
| 3 | Russia (stats) | 6 | 6 | 0 | 2000 | 2020 | Third place | Europe – LEN |
| 3 | Hungary (stats) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 2004 | 2024 | Fourth place | Europe – LEN |
| 6 | Italy (stats) | 5 | 4 | 1 | 2004 | 2024 | Champions | Europe – LEN |
| 6 | China (stats) | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2008$^*$ | 2024 | Fifth place | Asia – AASF |
| 7 | Canada (stats) | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2000 | 2024 | Fifth place | Americas – UANA |
| 7 | Netherlands (stats) | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2000 | 2024 | Champions | Europe – LEN |
| 7 | Spain (stats) | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2012 | 2024 | Champions | Europe – LEN |
| 10 | Greece (stats) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2004$^*$ | 2024 | Runners-up | Europe – LEN |
| 11 | Kazakhstan | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2000 | 2004 | Sixth place | Asia – AASF |
| 12 | Great Britain | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2012$^*$ | 2012$^*$ | Eighth place | Europe – LEN |
| 12 | Brazil | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2016$^*$ | 2016$^*$ | Eighth place | Americas – UANA |
| 12 | Japan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2020$^*$ | 2020$^*$ | Ninth place | Asia – AASF |
| 12 | South Africa | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2020 | 2020 | Tenth place | Africa – CANA |
| 12 | France | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2024$^*$ | 2024$^*$ | Ninth place | Europe – LEN |
| Rk | Women's team | Apps | Record streak | Active streak | Debut | Most recent | Best finish | Confederation |

### Best finishes by team

The following table is pre-sorted by best finish (in descending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 7 August 2024.

#### Legend and abbreviation

* Year$^*$ – As host team
* Apps – Appearances
* stats – Olympic water polo team statistics
Best finishes by team :
| Rk | Women's team | Best finish | Apps | Confederation |
| 1 | United States (stats) | Champions (2002, 2006) | 7 | Americas – UANA |
| 2 | Australia (stats) | Champions (2000$^*$) | 7 | Oceania – OSA |
| 2 | Italy (stats) | Champions (2004) | 5 | Europe – LEN |
| 2 | Netherlands (stats) | Champions (2008) | 4 | Europe – LEN |
| 2 | Spain (stats) | Champions (2024) | 4 | Europe – LEN |
| 6 | Greece (stats) | Runners-up (2004$^*$) | 3 | Europe – LEN |
| 7 | Russia (stats) | Third place (2000, 2016) | 6 | Europe – LEN |
| 8 | Hungary (stats) | Fourth place (2008, 2012, 2016) | 6 | Europe – LEN |
| 9 | China (stats) | Fifth place (2008$^*$, 2012) | 5 | Asia – AASF |
| 10 | Canada (stats) | Fifth place (2000) | 4 | Americas – UANA |
| 11 | Kazakhstan | Sixth place (2000) | 2 | Asia – AASF |
| 12 | Brazil | Eighth place (2016$^*$) | 1 | Americas – UANA |
| 12 | Great Britain | Eighth place (2012$^*$) | 1 | Europe – LEN |
| 14 | Japan | Ninth place (2020$^*$) | 1 | Asia – AASF |
| 14 | France | Eighth place (2024$^*$) | 1 | Europe – LEN |
| 15 | South Africa | Tenth place (2020) | 1 | Africa – CANA |
| Rk | Women's team | Best finish | Apps | Confederation |

### Finishes in the top four

The following table is pre-sorted by total finishes in the top four (in descending order), number of Olympic gold medals (in descending order), number of Olympic silver medals (in descending order), number of Olympic bronze medals (in descending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 7 August 2021.

#### Legend

* Year$^*$ – As host team
| Rk | Women's team | Total | Champions | Runners-up | Third place | Fourth place | First | Last |
| 1 | United States | 6 | 3 (2012, 2016, 2020) | 2 (2000, 2008) | 1 (2004) | 1 (2024) | 2000 | 2024 |
| 2 | Australia | 5 | 1 (2000$^*$) | 1 (2024) | 3 (2008, 2012) | 1 (2004) | 2000 | 2024 |
| 3 | Hungary | 4 | | | 1 (2020) | 3 (2008, 2012, 2016) | 2008 | 2020 |
| 4 | Spain | 3 | 1 (2024) | 2 (2012, 2020) | | | 2012 | 2024 |
| 5 | Netherlands | 3 | 1 (2008) | | 1 (2024) | 1 (2000) | 2000 | 2024 |
| 6 | Italy | 2 | 1 (2004) | 1 (2016) | | | 2004 | 2016 |
| 7 | Russia | 2 | | | 2 (2000, 2016) | | 2000 | 2016 |
| 8 | Greece | 1 | | 1 (2004$^*$) | | | 2004 | 2004 |
| 9 | ROC | 1 | | | | 1 (2020) | 2020 | 2020 |
| Rk | Women's team | Total | Champions | Runners-up | Third place | Fourth place | First | Last |

### Medal table

The following table is pre-sorted by number of Olympic gold medals (in descending order), number of Olympic silver medals (in descending order), number of Olympic bronze medals (in descending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
The United States is the most successful country in the women's Olympic water polo tournament, with three gold, two silver and one bronze.
| Rank | Women's team | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| 1 | United States (USA) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
| 2 | Spain (ESP) | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | Australia (AUS) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 4 | Italy (ITA) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 5 | Netherlands (NED) | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 6 | Greece (GRE) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 7 | Russia (RUS) | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 8 | Hungary (HUN) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Totals (8 entries) | Totals (8 entries) | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 |

### Champions (results)

The following table shows results of Olympic champions in women's water polo by tournament. Last updated: 7 August 2021.

#### Legend

* 6 – Winning 6 matches during the tournament
* 4 – Drawing 4 matches during the tournament
* 2 – Losing 2 matches during the tournament
* 100.0% – Winning all matches during the tournament
* Team – Olympic winning streak (winning three or more Olympic titles in a row)
* Team – Host team

#### Abbreviation

* MP – Matches played
* W – Won
* D – Drawn
* L – Lost
* GF – Goals for
* GA – Goals against
* GD – Goals difference
* GF/MP – Goals for per match
* GA/MP – Goals against per match
* GD/MP – Goals difference per match
Results of champions by tournament :
| # | Women's tournament | Champions | MP | W | D | L | Win % | GF | GA | GD | GF/MP | GA/MP | GD/MP |
| 1 | Sydney 2000 | Australia (1st title) | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 85.7% | 46 | 29 | 17 | 6.571 | 4.143 | 2.429 |
| 2 | Athens 2004 | Italy (1st title) | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 83.3% | 44 | 33 | 11 | 7.333 | 5.500 | 1.833 |
| 3 | Beijing 2008 | Netherlands (1st title) | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 66.7% | 57 | 53 | 4 | 9.500 | 8.833 | 0.667 |
| 4 | London 2012 | United States (1st title) | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 83.3% | 58 | 48 | 10 | 9.667 | 8.000 | 1.667 |
| 5 | Rio 2016 | United States (2nd title) | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% | 73 | 32 | 41 | 12.167 | 5.333 | 6.833 |
| 6 | Tokyo 2020 | United States (3rd title) | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 85.7% | 109 | 47 | 62 | 15.571 | 6.714 | 8.857 |
| 7 | Paris 2024 | Spain (1st title) | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% | 94 | 67 | 27 | 13.428 | 9.571 | 3.857 |
| # | Women's tournament | Total | 45 | 39 | 1 | 5 | 86.6% | 481 | 309 | 172 | 10.688 | 6.866 | 3.822 |
| # | Women's tournament | Champions | MP | W | D | L | Win % | GF | GA | GD | GF/MP | GA/MP | GD/MP |
Sources:
* Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (p. 96), 2004 (p. 72), 2008 (p. 71), 2012 (p. 368), 2016 (p. 218), 2020 (p. 273);
* Olympedia: 2000–2020 (women's tournaments).
The following table shows women's teams that won all matches during the Olympic tournament.
Winning all matches during the tournament :
| # | Year | Champions | MP | W | D | L | Win % |
| 1 | 2016 | United States (2nd title) | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% |
| 2 | 2024 | Spain | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% |
The following tables show records of goals for per match.
Top 3 most goals for per match :
| Rk | Year | Champions | MP | GF | GF/MP |
| 1 | 2020 | United States (3rd title) | 7 | 109 | 15.571 |
| 2 | 2024 | Spain (1st title) | 7 | 94 | 13.428 |
| 3 | 2016 | United States (2nd title) | 6 | 73 | 12.167 |
Top 3 fewest goals for per match :
| Rk | Year | Champions | MP | GF | GF/MP |
| 1 | 2000 | Australia (1st title) | 7 | 46 | 6.571 |
| 2 | 2004 | Italy (1st title) | 6 | 44 | 7.333 |
| 3 | 2008 | Netherlands (1st title) | 6 | 57 | 9.500 |
Historical progression of records: Goals for per match :
| Goals for per match | Achievement | Year | Champions | Date of winning gold | Duration of record |
| 6.571 | Set record | 2000 | Australia (1st title) | 23 September 2000 | 3 years, 338 days |
| 7.333 | Broke record | 2004 | Italy (1st title) | 26 August 2004 | 3 years, 361 days |
| 9.500 | Broke record | 2008 | Netherlands (1st title) | 21 August 2008 | 3 years, 354 days |
| 9.667 | Broke record | 2012 | United States (1st title) | 9 August 2012 | 4 years, 10 days |
| 12.167 | Broke record | 2016 | United States (2nd title) | 19 August 2016 | 4 years, 353 days |
| 15.571 | Broke record | 2020 | United States (3rd title) | 7 August 2021 | 3 years, 137 days |
The following tables show records of goals against per match.
Top 3 most goals against per match :
| Rk | Year | Champions | MP | GA | GA/MP |
| 1 | 2024 | Spain (1st title) | 7 | 67 | 9.571 |
| 2 | 2008 | Netherlands (1st title) | 6 | 53 | 8.833 |
| 3 | 2012 | United States (1st title) | 6 | 48 | 8.000 |
Top 3 fewest goals against per match :
| Rk | Year | Champions | MP | GA | GA/MP |
| 1 | 2000 | Australia (1st title) | 7 | 29 | 4.143 |
| 2 | 2016 | United States (2nd title) | 6 | 32 | 5.333 |
| 3 | 2004 | Italy (1st title) | 6 | 33 | 5.500 |
The following tables show records of goals difference per match.
Top 3 most goals difference per match :
| Rk | Year | Champions | MP | GD | GD/MP |
| 1 | 2020 | United States (3rd title) | 7 | 62 | 8.857 |
| 2 | 2016 | United States (2nd title) | 6 | 41 | 6.833 |
| 3 | 2000 | Australia (1st title) | 7 | 17 | 2.429 |
Top 3 fewest goals difference per match :
| Rk | Year | Champions | MP | GD | GD/MP |
| 1 | 2008 | Netherlands (1st title) | 6 | 4 | 0.667 |
| 2 | 2012 | United States (1st title) | 6 | 10 | 1.667 |
| 3 | 2004 | Italy (1st title) | 6 | 11 | 1.833 |

### Champions (squads)

The following table shows number of players and average age, height and weight of Olympic champions in women's water polo by tournament. Last updated: 7 August 2021.

#### Legend

* Team – Olympic winning streak
* Team – Winning all matches during the tournament
* Team – Host team
Winning squads by tournament :
| # | Women's tournament | Champions | Players | Returning Olympians | Returning Olympians | Average | Average | Average |
| # | Women's tournament | Champions | Number | Number | % | Age | Height | Weight |
| 1 | Sydney 2000 | Australia (1st title) | 13 | 0 | 0.0% | 26 years, 215 days | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | 71 kg (157 lb) |
| 2 | Athens 2004 | Italy (1st title) | 13 | 0 | 0.0% | 28 years, 301 days | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | 67 kg (148 lb) |
| 3 | Beijing 2008 | Netherlands (1st title) | 13 | 2 | 15.4% | 25 years, 248 days | 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) | 70 kg (154 lb) |
| 4 | London 2012 | United States (1st title) | 13 | 8 | 61.5% | 26 years, 96 days | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | 77 kg (170 lb) |
| 5 | Rio 2016 | United States (2nd title) | 13 | 4 | 30.8% | 23 years, 200 days | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | 77 kg (170 lb) |
| 6 | Tokyo 2020 | United States (3rd title) | 13 | 8 | 61.5% | 26 years, 33 days | 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in) | |
| 6 | Paris 2024 | Spain (1st title) | 13 | 8 | 61.5% |
| # | Women's tournament | Champions | Number | Number | % | Age | Height | Weight |
| # | Women's tournament | Champions | Players | Returning Olympians | Returning Olympians | Average | Average | Average |
Sources:
* Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (p. 96), 2004 (p. 73), 2008 (p. 72), 2012 (p. 369), 2016 (p. 219), 2020 (p. 274);
* Olympedia: 2000–2020 (women's tournaments).
The following tables show records of the number of returning Olympians.
Records – number of returning Olympians (in descending order) :
| Rk | Year | Champions | Players | Returning Olympians | Returning Olympians |
| Rk | Year | Champions | Number | Number | % |
| 1 | 2012 | United States (1st title) | 13 | 8 | 61.5% |
| 1 | 2020 | United States (3rd title) | 13 | 8 | 61.5% |
| 3 | 2016 | Spain (1st title) | 13 | 8 | 61.5% |
Records – number of returning Olympians (in ascending order) :
| Rk | Year | Champions | Players | Returning Olympians | Returning Olympians |
| Rk | Year | Champions | Number | Number | % |
| 1 | 2000 | Australia (1st title) | 13 | 0 | 0.0% |
| 1 | 2004 | Italy (1st title) | 13 | 0 | 0.0% |
| 3 | 2008 | Netherlands (1st title) | 13 | 2 | 15.4% |
The following tables show records of average age.
Top 3 oldest winning squads :
| Rk | Year | Champions | Average age |
| 1 | 2004 | Italy (1st title) | 28 years, 301 days |
| 2 | 2000 | Australia (1st title) | 26 years, 215 days |
| 3 | 2012 | United States (1st title) | 26 years, 96 days |
Top 3 youngest winning squads :
| Rk | Year | Champions | Average age |
| 1 | 2016 | United States (2nd title) | 23 years, 200 days |
| 2 | 2008 | Netherlands (1st title) | 25 years, 248 days |
| 3 | 2020 | United States (3rd title) | 26 years, 33 days |
The following tables show records of average height.
Top 3 tallest winning squads :
| Rk | Year | Champions | Average height |
| 1 | 2012 | United States (1st title) | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| 1 | 2016 | United States (2nd title) | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| 3 | 2020 | United States (3rd title) | 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in) |
Top 3 shortest winning squads :
| Rk | Year | Champions | Average height |
| 1 | 2004 | Italy (1st title) | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| 2 | 2008 | Netherlands (1st title) | 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| 3 | 2000 | Australia (1st title) | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
Historical progression of records: Average height :
| Average height | Achievement | Year | Champions | Date of winning gold | Duration of record |
| 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | Set record | 2000 | Australia (1st title) | 23 September 2000 | 11 years, 321 days |
| 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Broke record | 2012 | United States (1st title) | 9 August 2012 | 12 years, 135 days |
| 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Tied record | 2016 | United States (2nd title) | 19 August 2016 | 12 years, 135 days |
The following tables show records of average weight.
Top 3 heaviest winning squads :
| Rk | Year | Champions | Average weight |
| 1 | 2012 | United States (1st title) | 77 kg (170 lb) |
| 1 | 2016 | United States (2nd title) | 77 kg (170 lb) |
| 3 | 2000 | Australia (1st title) | 71 kg (157 lb) |
Top 3 lightest winning squads :
| Rk | Year | Champions | Average weight |
| 1 | 2004 | Italy (1st title) | 67 kg (148 lb) |
| 2 | 2008 | Netherlands (1st title) | 70 kg (154 lb) |
| 3 | 2000 | Australia (1st title) | 71 kg (157 lb) |
Historical progression of records: Average weight :
| Average weight | Achievement | Year | Champions | Date of winning gold | Duration of record |
| 71 kg (157 lb) | Set record | 2000 | Australia (1st title) | 23 September 2000 | 11 years, 321 days |
| 77 kg (170 lb) | Broke record | 2012 | United States (1st title) | 9 August 2012 | 12 years, 135 days |
| 77 kg (170 lb) | Tied record | 2016 | United States (2nd title) | 19 August 2016 | 12 years, 135 days |

### Team records

Teams having equal quantities in the tables below are ordered by the tournament the quantity was attained in (the teams that attained the quantity first are listed first). If the quantity was attained by more than one team in the same tournament, these teams are ordered alphabetically. Last updated: 7 August 2021.

#### Legend

* Year$^*$ – As host team

#### Appearances
##### Most appearances

    6, Australia, United States (have participated in every tournament).

##### Most appearances, never winning a title

    5, Russia (has participated in every tournament).

##### Most appearances, never finishing in the top two

    5, Russia (has participated in every tournament).

##### Most appearances, never winning a medal

    4, China (2008$^*$, 2012, 2016, 2020).

##### Most appearances, never finishing in the top four

    4, China (2008$^*$, 2012, 2016, 2020).

##### Fewest appearances

    1, Great Britain (2012$^*$), Brazil (2016$^*$), Japan (2020$^*$), ROC (2020), South Africa (2020).

##### Fewest appearances, winning a title

    3, Netherlands (2008).

##### Fewest appearances, finishing in the top two

    2, Greece (2004$^*$).

##### Fewest appearances, winning a medal

    2, Greece (2004$^*$).

##### Fewest appearances, finishing in the top four

    2, Greece (2004$^*$).

#### Top four
##### Most titles won

    3, United States (2012, 2016, 2020).

##### Most second-place finishes

    2, United States (2000, 2008), Spain (2012, 2020).

##### Most third-place finishes

    2, Australia (2008, 2012), Russia (2000, 2016).

##### Most fourth-place finishes

    3, Hungary (2008, 2012, 2016).

##### Most finishes in the top two

    5, United States (2000, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020).

##### Most finishes in the top two, never winning a title

    2, Spain (2012, 2020).

##### Most finishes in the top three

    6, United States (has been medaled in every tournament).

##### Most finishes in the top three, never winning a title

    2, Russia (2000, 2016), Spain (2012, 2020).

##### Most finishes in the top three, never finishing in the top two

    2, Russia (2000, 2016).

##### Most finishes in the top four

    6, United States (has finished in the top four in every tournament).

##### Most finishes in the top four, never winning a title

    4, Hungary (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020).

##### Most finishes in the top four, never finishing in the top two

    4, Hungary (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020).

##### Most finishes in the top four, never winning a medal

    1, ROC (2020).

##### Fewest finishes in the top two, winning a title

    1, Australia (2000$^*$), Netherlands (2008).

##### Fewest finishes in the top three, winning a title

    1, Netherlands (2008).

##### Fewest finishes in the top three, finishing in the top two

    1, Greece (2004$^*$), Netherlands (2008).

##### Fewest finishes in the top four, winning a title

    2, Netherlands (2000, 2008), Italy (2004, 2016).

##### Fewest finishes in the top four, finishing in the top two

    1, Greece (2004$^*$).

##### Fewest finishes in the top four, winning a medal

    1, Greece (2004$^*$).

#### Consecutive
##### Most consecutive titles won

    3, United States (2012–2016–2020).

##### Most consecutive second-place finishes

    None.

##### Most consecutive third-place finishes

    2, Australia (2008–2012).

##### Most consecutive fourth-place finishes

    3, Hungary (2008–2012–2016).

##### Most consecutive finishes in the top two

    4, United States (2008–2012–2016–2020).

##### Most consecutive finishes in the top three

    6, United States (has been medaled in every tournament).

##### Most consecutive finishes in the top four

    6, United States (has finished in the top four in every tournament).

##### Most consecutive appearances

    6, Australia, United States (have participated in every tournament).

##### Biggest improvement in position in consecutive tournaments

    Did not participate/qualify, then won the title, Italy (2000–2004), Netherlands (2004–2008).

#### Gaps
##### Longest gap between successive titles

    None.

##### Longest gap between successive second-place finishes

    9 years, Spain (2012, 2020).

##### Longest gap between successive third-place finishes

    16 years, Russia (2000, 2016).

##### Longest gap between successive fourth-place finishes

    None.

##### Longest gap between successive appearances in the top two

    12 years, Italy (2004–2016).

##### Longest gap between successive appearances in the top three

    16 years, Russia (2000–2016).

##### Longest gap between successive appearances in the top four

    16 years, Russia (2000–2016).

##### Longest gap between successive appearances

    17 years, Canada (2004–2020).

#### Debuting teams
##### Best finish by a debuting team

    Champions, Australia (2000$^*$), Italy (2004).

##### Worst finish by a debuting team

    10th position (last position), South Africa (2020).

#### Host teams
##### Best finish by host team

    Champions: Australia (2000$^*$).

##### Worst finish by host team

    9th position, Japan (2020$^*$).

##### Best finish by last host team

    4th position, Australia (2004).

##### Worst finish by last host team

    Did not participate/qualify, Great Britain (2016), Brazil (2020).

##### Worst finish by last host team that participates in the tournament

    8th position (last position), Greece (2008).

##### Had its best performance as hosts

    Champions, Australia (2000$^*$). Runners-up, Greece (2004$^*$). 5th position, China (2008$^*$). 8th position, Great Britain (2012$^*$), Brazil (2016$^*$). 9th position, Japan (2020$^*$).

##### Had its worst performance as hosts

    8th position, Great Britain (2012$^*$), Brazil (2016$^*$). 9th position, Japan (2020$^*$).

#### Defending champions
##### Best finish by defending champions

    Champions, United States (2016, 2020).

##### Worst finish by defending champions

    Did not participate/qualify, Netherlands (2012).

##### Worst finish by defending champions that participates in the next tournament

    6th position, Italy (2008).

#### Defending runners-up
##### Best finish by defending runners-up

    Champions, United States (2012).

##### Worst finish by defending runners-up

    Did not participate/qualify, Italy (2020).

##### Worst finish by defending runners-up that participates in the next tournament

    8th position (last position), Greece (2008).

#### Population
##### Most populous country, participant

    China (2020), 1,411,099,000 (source)

##### Least populous country, participant

    Hungary (2020), 9,750,000 (source)

##### Most populous country, hosts

    China (2008$^*$), 1,324,655,000 (source)

##### Least populous country, hosts

    Greece (2004$^*$), 10,955,000 (source)

##### Most populous country, champions

    United States (2020), 331,449,000 (source)

##### Least populous country, champions

    Netherlands (2008), 16,446,000 (source)

##### Most populous country, runners-up

    United States (2008), 304,375,000 (source)

##### Least populous country, runners-up

    Greece (2004$^*$), 10,955,000 (source)

##### Most populous country, third place

    United States (2004), 293,046,000 (source)

##### Least populous country, third place

    Hungary (2020), 9,750,000 (source)

##### Most populous country, fourth place

    Australia (2004), 19,895,000 (source)

##### Least populous country, fourth place

    Hungary (2016), 9,830,485 (source)

## Player statistics
### Age records

The following tables show the oldest and youngest players who competed in women's water polo at the Summer Olympics, and the oldest and youngest female Olympic medalists in water polo. Last updated: 12 August 2021.

#### Legend

* Team – Host team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with her team
Appearance
| Record | Age of the first Olympic water polo match | Player | Women's team | Pos | Date of birth | Date of the first Olympic water polo match | Ref |
| Oldest Olympic debutante | 41 years, 150 days | Camila Pedrosa | Brazil | FP | 12 March 1975 | 9 August 2016 | |
| Youngest female Olympian | 16 years, 104 days | Paula Leitón | Spain | FP | 27 April 2000 | 9 August 2016 | |
| Record | Age of the last Olympic water polo match | Player | Women's team | Pos | Date of birth | Date of the last Olympic water polo match | Ref |
| Oldest female Olympian | 41 years, 160 days | Camila Pedrosa | Brazil | FP | 12 March 1975 | 19 August 2016 | |
Medalist
| Record | Age of winning the last Olympic gold/silver/bronze medal in water polo | Player | Women's team | Pos | Date of birth | Date of receiving the last Olympic gold/silver/bronze medal in water polo |
| Oldest female Olympic gold medalist | 36 years, 348 days | Gillian van den Berg$^‡$ | Netherlands | FP | 8 September 1971 | 21 August 2008 |
| Oldest female Olympic silver medalist | 39 years, 183 days | Maureen O'Toole | United States | FP | 24 March 1961 | 23 September 2000 |
| Oldest female Olympic bronze medalist | 33 years, 153 days | Gabriella Szűcs | Hungary | FP | 7 March 1988 | 7 August 2021 |
| Record | Age of winning the first Olympic gold/silver/bronze medal in water polo | Player | Women's team | Pos | Date of birth | Date of receiving the first Olympic gold/silver/bronze medal in water polo |
| Youngest female Olympic gold medalist | 17 years, 170 days | Aria Fischer$^‡$ | United States | FP | 2 March 1999 | 19 August 2016 |
| Youngest female Olympic silver medalist | 16 years, 282 days | Elena Ruiz | Spain | FP | 29 October 2004 | 7 August 2021 |
| Youngest female Olympic bronze medalist | 19 years, 22 days | Maria Borisova | Russia | FP | 28 July 1997 | 19 August 2016 |

### Multiple appearances (four-time Olympians)

The following table is pre-sorted by number of Olympic appearances (in descending order), year of the last Olympic appearance (in ascending order), year of the first Olympic appearance (in ascending order), date of birth (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
Eight female athletes competed in water polo at four or more Olympic Games between 2000 and 2020 inclusive.

#### Legend

* – Hosts
* Apps – Appearances
Female athletes who competed in water polo at four or more Olympics :
| Apps | Player | Birth | Height | Women's team | Pos | Water polo tournaments | Water polo tournaments | Water polo tournaments | Water polo tournaments | Water polo tournaments | Period (age of first/last) | Medals | Medals | Medals | Medals | Ref |
| Apps | Player | Birth | Height | Women's team | Pos | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Period (age of first/last) | G | S | B | T | Ref |
| 4 | Heather Petri | 1978 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | United States | FP | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | | 12 years (22/34) | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | |
| 4 | Sofia Konukh | 1980 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Russia | FP | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | | 12 years (20/32) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| 4 | Brenda Villa | 1980 | 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) | United States | FP | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | | 12 years (20/32) | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | |
| 4 | Tania Di Mario | 1979 | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Italy | FP | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | | 12 years (25/37) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
| 4 | Bronwen Knox | 1986 | 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) | Australia | FP | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | | 13 years (22/35) | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | |
| 4 | Nadezhda Glyzina | 1988 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | Russia | FP | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | | | 13 years (20/33) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| 4 | Nadezhda Glyzina | 1988 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | ROC | FP | | | | 2020 | | 13 years (20/33) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| 4 | Evgenia Soboleva | 1988 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Russia | FP | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | | | 13 years (19/32) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| 4 | Evgenia Soboleva | 1988 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ROC | FP | | | | 2020 | | 13 years (19/32) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| 4 | Ekaterina Prokofyeva | 1991 | 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) | Russia | FP | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | | | 13 years (17/30) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| 4 | Ekaterina Prokofyeva | 1991 | 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) | ROC | FP | | | | 2020 | | 13 years (17/30) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| Apps | Player | Birth | Height | Women's team | Pos | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Period (age of first/last) | G | S | B | T | Ref |
| Apps | Player | Birth | Height | Women's team | Pos | Water polo tournaments | Water polo tournaments | Water polo tournaments | Water polo tournaments | Water polo tournaments | Period (age of first/last) | Medals | Medals | Medals | Medals | | Ref |

### Multiple medalists

The following table is pre-sorted by total number of Olympic medals (in descending order), number of Olympic gold medals (in descending order), number of Olympic silver medals (in descending order), year of receiving the last Olympic medal (in ascending order), year of receiving the first Olympic medal (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
Heather Petri and Brenda Villa, both representing the United States, are the only two female athletes to win four Olympic medals in water polo.

#### Legend

* – Hosts
Female athletes who won four or more Olympic medals in water polo :
| Rk | Player | Birth | Height | Women's team | Pos | Water polo tournaments | Water polo tournaments | Water polo tournaments | Water polo tournaments | Water polo tournaments | Period (age of first/last) | Medals | Medals | Medals | Medals | Ref |
| Rk | Player | Birth | Height | Women's team | Pos | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Period (age of first/last) | G | S | B | T | Ref |
| 1 | Heather Petri | 1978 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | United States | FP | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | | 12 years (22/34) | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | |
| 1 | Brenda Villa | 1980 | 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) | United States | FP | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | | 12 years (20/32) | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | |
Sources:
* Sports Reference: Athlete Medal Leaders (1900–2016);
* Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (p. 28), 2004 (p. 2), 2008 (p. 2), 2012 (p. 285), 2016 (p. 135), 2020 (p. 156).

### Multiple gold medalists

The following table is pre-sorted by number of Olympic gold medals (in descending order), number of Olympic silver medals (in descending order), number of Olympic bronze medals (in descending order), year of receiving the last Olympic gold medal (in ascending order), year of receiving the first Olympic gold medal (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
Two female athletes won three or more Olympic gold medals in water polo. They were both members of the United States women's national water polo team that won three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 2012, 2016 and 2021.

#### Legend

* – Hosts
Female athletes who won three or more Olympic gold medals in water polo :
| Rk | Player | Birth | Height | Women's team | Pos | Water polo tournaments | Water polo tournaments | Water polo tournaments | Water polo tournaments | Water polo tournaments | Period (age of first/last) | Medals | Medals | Medals | Medals | Ref |
| Rk | Player | Birth | Height | Women's team | Pos | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Period (age of first/last) | G | S | B | T | Ref |
| 1 | Melissa Seidemann | 1990 | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | United States | FP | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | | | 9 years (22/31) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| 1 | Maggie Steffens | 1993 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | United States | FP | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | | | 9 years (19/28) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |

### Top goalscorers (one match)

The following table is pre-sorted by date of the match (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 1 April 2021.
Three female water polo players have each scored seven goals in an Olympic match.
The first woman to do so was Daniëlle de Bruijn, with the Netherlands women's national team in Beijing on 21 August 2008. She netted seven goals in the gold medal match, helping the Dutch team win the Olympics.
The most recent female player to do so was Roser Tarragó, with Spain women's national team in Rio de Janeiro on 19 August 2016.

#### Legend and abbreviation

* – Player's team drew the match
* – Player's team lost the match
* Team – Host team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with her team
* G – Goals
* aet – After extra time
* pso – Penalty shootout
Female players with seven or more goals in an Olympic match :
| # | G | Player | Birth | Age | Height | L/R | For | Result | Against | Tournament | Round | Date |
| 1 | 7 | Daniëlle de Bruijn$^‡$ | 1978 | 30 | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) | Left | Netherlands | 9–8 | United States | Beijing 2008 | Gold medal match | 21 Aug 2008 |
| 2 | 7 | Maggie Steffens$^‡$ | 1993 | 19 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | United States | 14–13 | Hungary | London 2012 | Preliminary round Group A | 30 Jul 2012 |
| 3 | 7 | Roser Tarragó | 1993 | 23 | 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in) | Right | Spain | 12–10 | Australia | Rio 2016 | 5th–6th place match | 19 Aug 2016 |
The following table shows the historical progression of the record of goals scored by a female water polo player in a single Olympic match. Last updated: 1 April 2021.

#### Legend

* Team – Host team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with his team
Historical progression of records: Most goals scored by a female player, one match :
| Goals | Achievement | Year | Player | Age | Height | L/R | Women's team | Date | Duration of record |
| 5 | Set record | 2004 | Kyriaki Liosi | 24 | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | Right | Greece | 26 August 2004 | 3 years, 361 days |
| 5 | Tied record | 2008 | Kate Gynther | 26 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | Right | Australia | 17 August 2008 | 3 years, 361 days |
| 7 | Broke record | 2008 | Daniëlle de Bruijn$^‡$ | 30 | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) | Left | Netherlands | 21 August 2008 | 16 years, 123 days |
| 7 | Tied record | 2012 | Maggie Steffens$^‡$ | 19 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | United States | 30 July 2012 | 16 years, 123 days |
| 7 | Tied record | 2016 | Roser Tarragó | 23 | 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in) | Right | Spain | 19 August 2016 | 16 years, 123 days |

### Top goalscorers (one tournament)

The following table is pre-sorted by number of goals (in descending order), edition of the Olympics (in ascending order), number of matches played (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 12 August 2021.
Seven female players have scored 18 or more goals in an Olympic water polo tournament.
At the 2020 Summer Olympics, Dutch left-hander Simone van de Kraats scored 28 goals, setting the record for the most goals scored by a female water polo player in a single Olympic tournament.
Maggie Steffens of the United States is the first and only female water polo player to achieve this feat twice. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, Steffens netted 21 goals. Nine years later, she scored 18 goals in Tokyo.

#### Legend

* Team – Host team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with her team
Female players with 18 or more goals in an Olympic tournament :
| Rk | Year | Player | Birth | Age | Height | L/R | Goals | Matches played | Goals per match | Women's team | Finish | Ref |
| 1 | 2020 | Simone van de Kraats | 2000 | 20 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Left | 28 | 7 | 4.000 | Netherlands | 6th of 10 teams | |
| 2 | 2012 | Maggie Steffens$^‡$ | 1993 | 19 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | 21 | 6 | 3.500 | United States | 1st of 8 teams | |
| 3 | 2012 | Ma Huanhuan | 1990 | 22 | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | Right | 19 | 6 | 3.167 | China | 5th of 8 teams | |
| 4 | 2012 | Tania Di Mario | 1979 | 33 | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Right | 18 | 6 | 3.000 | Italy | 7th of 8 teams | |
| 4 | 2020 | Maddie Musselman$^‡$ | 1998 | 23 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Right | 18 | 7 | 2.571 | United States | 1st of 10 teams | |
| 4 | 2020 | Beatriz Ortiz | 1995 | 26 | 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) | Right | 18 | 7 | 2.571 | Spain | 2nd of 10 teams | |
| 4 | 2020 | Maggie Steffens$^‡$ (2) | 1993 | 28 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | 18 | 7 | 2.571 | United States | 1st of 10 teams | |
| Rk | Year | Player | Birth | Age | Height | L/R | Goals | Matches played | Goals per match | Women's team | Finish | Ref |
Source:
* Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (pp. 96–101), 2004 (p. 53), 2008 (p. 54), 2012 (p. 345), 2016 (p. 193), 2020 (p. 234).
The following table is pre-sorted by edition of the Olympics (in ascending order), number of matches played (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 12 August 2021.
At 19 years old, Maggie Steffens of the United States made her Olympic debut at the 2012 London Olympics, where she was the youngest-ever female top goalscorer with 21 goals. She was also the top goalscorer at the 2016 Rio Olympics, with 17 goals.
Dutch left-handed player Daniëlle de Bruijn was the joint top goalscorer at the 2000 Olympics, with 11 goals. Eight years later she netted 17 goals, including seven goals in the gold medal match, becoming the top goalscorer at the 2008 Olympics.

#### Legend

* Team – Host team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with her team
Female players with the most goals in each Olympic tournament :
| Year | Player | Birth | Age | Height | L/R | Goals | Matches played | Goals per match | Women's team | Finish |
| 2000 | Daniëlle de Bruijn | 1978 | 22 | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) | Left | 11 | 7 | 1.571 | Netherlands | 4th of 6 teams |
| 2000 | Bridgette Gusterson$^‡$ | 1973 | 27 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Right | 11 | 7 | 1.571 | Australia | 1st of 6 teams |
| 2000 | Sofia Konukh | 1980 | 20 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | 11 | 7 | 1.571 | Russia | 3rd of 6 teams |
| 2004 | Tania Di Mario$^‡$ | 1979 | 25 | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Right | 14 | 6 | 2.333 | Italy | 1st of 8 teams |
| 2008 | Daniëlle de Bruijn$^‡$ (2) | 1978 | 30 | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) | Left | 17 | 6 | 2.833 | Netherlands | 1st of 8 teams |
| 2012 | Maggie Steffens$^‡$ | 1993 | 19 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | 21 | 6 | 3.500 | United States | 1st of 8 teams |
| 2016 | Maggie Steffens$^‡$ (2) | 1993 | 23 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | 17 | 6 | 2.833 | United States | 1st of 8 teams |
| 2020 | Simone van de Kraats | 2000 | 20 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Left | 28 | 7 | 4.000 | Netherlands | 6th of 10 teams |
Source:
* Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (pp. 96–101), 2004 (p. 53), 2008 (p. 54), 2012 (p. 345), 2016 (p. 193), 2020 (p. 234).
The following table shows the historical progression of the record of goals scored by a female water polo player in a single Olympic tournament. Last updated: 12 August 2021.

#### Legend

* Team – Host team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with her team
Historical progression of records: Most goals scored by a female player, one tournament :
| Goals | Achievement | Year | Player | Age | Height | L/R | Women's team | Date | Duration of record |
| 11 | Set record | 2000 | Daniëlle de Bruijn | 22 | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) | Left | Netherlands | 23 September 2000 | 3 years, 338 days |
| 11 | Set record | 2000 | Bridgette Gusterson$^‡$ | 27 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Right | Australia | 23 September 2000 | 3 years, 338 days |
| 11 | Set record | 2000 | Sofia Konukh | 20 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | Russia | 23 September 2000 | 3 years, 338 days |
| 14 | Broke record | 2004 | Tania Di Mario$^‡$ | 25 | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Right | Italy | 26 August 2004 | 3 years, 361 days |
| 17 | Broke record | 2008 | Daniëlle de Bruijn$^‡$ (2) | 30 | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) | Left | Netherlands | 21 August 2008 | 3 years, 354 days |
| 21 | Broke record | 2012 | Maggie Steffens$^‡$ | 19 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | United States | 9 August 2012 | 8 years, 363 days |
| 28 | Broke record | 2020 | Simone van de Kraats | 20 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Left | Netherlands | 7 August 2021 | 3 years, 137 days |

### Top goalscorers (all-time)

The following table is pre-sorted by number of total goals (in descending order), number of total Olympic matches played (in ascending order), date of the last Olympic match played (in ascending order), date of the first Olympic match played (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
Three-time Olympian Maggie Steffens of the United States holds the record for the most goals scored by a female water polo player in Olympic history, with 56 goals.
Italian Tania Di Mario netted 47 goals at four Olympics (2004–2016).
Ma Huanhuan, representing China, holds the record for the most goals scored by an Asian female water polo player in Olympic history, with 37 goals at three Olympics (2008–2016).
Kate Gynther of Australia netted 30 goals in 32 matches between 2004 and 2012.

#### Legend

* – Hosts
All-time female players with 30 or more goals at the Olympics :
| Rk | Player | Birth | Height | L/R | Women's team | Total goals | Total matches played | Goals per match | Tournaments (goals) | Tournaments (goals) | Tournaments (goals) | Tournaments (goals) | Period (age of first/last) | Medals | Medals | Medals | Medals | Ref |
| Rk | Player | Birth | Height | L/R | Women's team | Total goals | Total matches played | Goals per match | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Period (age of first/last) | G | S | B | T | Ref |
| 1 | Maggie Steffens | 1993 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | United States | 56 | 19 | 2.947 | 2012 (21) | 2016 (17) | 2020 (18) | | 9 years (19/28) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| 2 | Tania Di Mario | 1979 | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Right | Italy | 47 | 23 | 2.043 | 2004 (14) | 2008 (10) | 2012 (18) | 2016 (5) | 12 years (25/37) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
| 3 | Ma Huanhuan | 1990 | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | Right | China | 37 | 17 | 2.176 | 2008 (7) | 2012 (19) | 2016 (11) | | 8 years (18/26) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 4 | Sofia Konukh | 1980 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | Russia | 31 | 22 | 1.409 | 2000 (11) | 2004 (9) | 2008 (7) | 2012 (4) | 12 years (20/32) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| 5 | Brenda Villa | 1980 | 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) | Right | United States | 31 | 23 | 1.348 | 2000 (9) | 2004 (7) | 2008 (9) | 2012 (6) | 12 years (20/32) | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | |
| 6 | Kate Gynther | 1982 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | Right | Australia | 30 | 17 | 1.765 | 2004 (7) | 2008 (13) | 2012 (10) | | 8 years (22/30) | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | |
Source:
* Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (pp. 96–101), 2004 (p. 53), 2008 (p. 54), 2012 (p. 345), 2016 (p. 193).
The following table shows the historical progression of the record of total goals scored by a female water polo player at the Summer Olympics. Last updated: 7 August 2021.

#### Legend

* Team – Host team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with her team
Historical progression of records: Most goals scored by a female player, all-time :
| Total goals | Achievement | Year | Player | Age | Height | L/R | Women's team | Date | Duration of record |
| 20 | Set record | 2004 | Sofia Konukh | 24 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | Russia | 26 August 2004 | 3 years, 361 days |
| 28 | Broke record | 2008 | Daniëlle de Bruijn | 30 | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) | Left | Netherlands | 21 August 2008 | 3 years, 354 days |
| 42 | Broke record | 2012 | Tania Di Mario | 33 | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Right | Italy | 9 August 2012 | 4 years, 10 days |
| 47 | Broke record | 2016 | Tania Di Mario (2) | 37 | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Right | Italy | 19 August 2016 | 4 years, 353 days |
| 56 | Broke record | 2020 | Maggie Steffens | 28 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Right | United States | 7 August 2021 | 3 years, 137 days |

### Top goalkeepers (one match)

The following table is pre-sorted by date of the match (in ascending order), name of the goalkeeper (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 1 April 2021.
Five female water polo goalkeepers have each saved fifteen or more shots in an Olympic match.
The first woman to do so was Patrícia Horváth, with Hungary women's national team in Beijing. She blocked 19 shots on 11 August 2008, setting the record for the most shots saved by a female water polo goalkeeper in a single Olympic match.
The most recent female goalkeeper to do so was Yang Jun, with China women's national team in Rio de Janeiro on 19 August 2016.

#### Legend and abbreviation

* – Player's team drew the match
* – Player's team lost the match
* Team – Host team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with her team
* aet – After extra time
* pso – Penalty shootout
* ORB – Official Results Books
Female goalkeepers with fifteen or more saves in an Olympic match :
| # | Saves | Goalkeeper | Birth | Age | Height | For | Result | Against | Tournament | Round | Date | Ref |
| 1 | 19 | Patrícia Horváth | 1977 | 30 | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | Hungary | 11–9 | Netherlands | Beijing 2008 | Preliminary round Group B | 11 Aug 2008 | ORB 2008 (p. 17) |
| 2 | 15 | Alicia McCormack | 1983 | 25 | 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in) | Australia | 8–9 | United States | Beijing 2008 | Semi-finals | 19 Aug 2008 | ORB 2008 (p. 35) |
| 3 | 16 | Elena Gigli | 1985 | 27 | 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) | Italy | 4–7 | Russia | London 2012 | Preliminary round Group B | 1 Aug 2012 | ORB 2012 (p. 302) |
| 4 | 15 | Tess Oliveira | 1987 | 29 | 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) | Brazil | 4–11 | Australia | Rio 2016 | Classification round 5th–8th place | 17 Aug 2016 | ORB 2016 (p. 170) |
| 5 | 16 | Yang Jun | 1988 | 28 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | China | 10–5 | Brazil | Rio 2016 | 7th–8th place match | 19 Aug 2016 | ORB 2016 (p. 178) |
The following table shows the historical progression of the record of shots saved by a female water polo goalkeeper in a single Olympic match. Last updated: 1 April 2021.

#### Legend

* Team – Host team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with her team
* ORB – Official Results Books
Historical progression of records: Most shots saved by a female goalkeeper, one match :
| Saves | Achievement | Year | Goalkeeper | Age | Height | Women's team | Date | Duration of record | Ref |
| 12 | Set record | 2000 | Bernice Orwig | 23 | 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) | United States | 18 September 2000 | 3 years, 337 days | ORB 2000 (p. 114) |
| 14 | Broke record | 2004 | Jacqueline Frank | 24 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | United States | 20 August 2004 | 3 years, 357 days | ORB 2004 (p. 24) |
| 19 | Broke record | 2008 | Patrícia Horváth | 30 | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | Hungary | 11 August 2008 | 16 years, 133 days | ORB 2008 (p. 17) |

### Top goalkeepers (one tournament)

The following table is pre-sorted by number of saves (in descending order), edition of the Olympics (in ascending order), number of matches played (in ascending order), name of the goalkeeper (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 1 April 2021.
Six female goalkeepers have saved 50 or more shots in an Olympic water polo tournament.
Giulia Gorlero of Italy holds the record for the most saves by a female water polo goalkeeper in a single Olympic tournament, blocking 65 shots in the 2016 edition.
At the 2016 Summer Games, Ashleigh Johnson saved 51 shots, including nine in the gold medal match, helping the American team win the Olympics. She is the most efficient one among these six goalkeepers.

#### Legend and abbreviation

* Team – Host team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with her team
* MP – Matches played
* Eff % – Save efficiency (Saves / Shots)
* 64.6% – Highest save efficiency
Female goalkeepers with 50 or more saves in an Olympic tournament :
| Rk | Year | Goalkeeper | Birth | Age | Height | Saves | Shots | Eff % | MP | Saves per match | Women's team | Finish |
| 1 | 2016 | Giulia Gorlero | 1990 | 25 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | 65 | 106 | 61.3% | 6 | 10.833 | Italy | 2nd of 8 teams |
| 2 | 2012 | Elena Gigli | 1985 | 27 | 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) | 56 | 105 | 53.3% | 6 | 9.333 | Italy | 7th of 8 teams |
| 3 | 2016 | Yang Jun | 1988 | 28 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | 55 | 118 | 46.6% | 6 | 9.167 | China | 7th of 8 teams |
| 4 | 2012 | Rosemary Morris | 1986 | 26 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | 54 | 113 | 47.8% | 6 | 9.000 | Great Britain | 8th of 8 teams |
| 5 | 2012 | Elizabeth Armstrong$^‡$ | 1983 | 29 | 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) | 53 | 101 | 52.5% | 6 | 8.833 | United States | 1st of 8 teams |
| 6 | 2016 | Ashleigh Johnson$^‡$ | 1994 | 21 | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) | 51 | 79 | 64.6% | 6 | 8.500 | United States | 1st of 8 teams |
Source:
* Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (pp. 96–101), 2004 (p. 49), 2008 (p. 50), 2012 (p. 341), 2016 (p. 195).
The following table is pre-sorted by edition of the Olympics (in ascending order), number of matches played (in ascending order), name of the goalkeeper (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 1 April 2021.
At the 2004 Summer Games, Jacqueline Frank saved 41 shots, including seven in the bronze medal match, helping the United States win the match.
Giulia Gorlero of Italy blocked 65 shots at the 2016 Olympics, helping the Italian team win the Olympic silver medal.

#### Legend and abbreviation

* Team – Host team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with her team
* MP – Matches played
* Eff % – Save efficiency (Saves / Shots)
Female goalkeepers with the most saves in each Olympic tournament :
| Year | Goalkeeper | Birth | Age | Height | Saves | Shots | Eff % | MP | Saves per match | Women's team | Finish |
| 2000 | Karla Plugge | 1968 | 31 | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) | 45 | 81 | 55.6% | 7 | 6.429 | Netherlands | 4th of 6 teams |
| 2004 | Jacqueline Frank | 1980 | 24 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | 41 | 68 | 60.3% | 5 | 8.200 | United States | 3rd of 8 teams |
| 2008 | Elizabeth Armstrong | 1983 | 25 | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) | 49 | 92 | 53.3% | 5 | 9.800 | United States | 2nd of 8 teams |
| 2012 | Elena Gigli | 1985 | 27 | 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) | 56 | 105 | 53.3% | 6 | 9.333 | Italy | 7th of 8 teams |
| 2016 | Giulia Gorlero | 1990 | 25 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | 65 | 106 | 61.3% | 6 | 10.833 | Italy | 2nd of 8 teams |
Source:
* Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (pp. 96–101), 2004 (p. 49), 2008 (p. 50), 2012 (p. 341), 2016 (p. 195).
The following table shows the historical progression of the record of shots saved by a female water polo goalkeeper in a single Olympic tournament. Last updated: 1 April 2021.

#### Legend

* Team – Host team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with her team
Historical progression of records: Most shots saved by a female goalkeeper, one tournament :
| Saves | Achievement | Year | Goalkeeper | Age | Height | Women's team | Date | Duration of record |
| 45 | Set record | 2000 | Karla Plugge | 31 | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) | Netherlands | 23 September 2000 | 7 years, 333 days |
| 49 | Broke record | 2008 | Elizabeth Armstrong | 25 | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) | United States | 21 August 2008 | 3 years, 354 days |
| 56 | Broke record | 2012 | Elena Gigli | 27 | 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) | Italy | 9 August 2012 | 4 years, 10 days |
| 65 | Broke record | 2016 | Giulia Gorlero | 25 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Italy | 19 August 2016 | 8 years, 125 days |

### Top goalkeepers (all-time)

The following table is pre-sorted by number of total saves (in descending order), number of total Olympic matches played (in ascending order), date of the last Olympic match played (in ascending order), date of the first Olympic match played (in ascending order), name of the goalkeeper (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 1 April 2021.
Yang Jun of China holds the record for the most shots saved by a female water polo goalkeeper at the Olympics, with 138 saves at three Olympics (2008–2016).
Elizabeth Armstrong, representing the United States, blocked 102 shots at two Olympics (2008–2012).

#### Legend

* – Hosts
All-time female goalkeepers with 100 or more saves at the Olympics :
| Rk | Goalkeeper | Birth | Height | Women's team | Total saves | Total matches played | Saves per match | Tournaments (saves) | Tournaments (saves) | Tournaments (saves) | Period (age of first/last) | Medals | Medals | Medals | Medals | Ref |
| Rk | Goalkeeper | Birth | Height | Women's team | Total saves | Total matches played | Saves per match | 1 | 2 | 3 | Period (age of first/last) | G | S | B | T | Ref |
| 1 | Yang Jun | 1988 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | China | 138 | 17 | 8.118 | 2008 (39) | 2012 (44) | 2016 (55) | 8 years (20/28) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2 | Elizabeth Armstrong | 1983 | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) | United States | 102 | 11 | 9.273 | 2008 (49) | 2012 (53) | | 4 years (25/29) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
Source:
* Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (pp. 96–101), 2004 (p. 49), 2008 (p. 50), 2012 (p. 341), 2016 (p. 195).
The following table shows the historical progression of the record of total shots saved by a female water polo goalkeeper at the Summer Olympics. Last updated: 1 April 2021.

#### Legend

* Team – Host team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with her team
Historical progression of records: Most shots saved by a female goalkeeper, all-time :
| Total saves | Achievement | Year | Goalkeeper | Age | Height | Women's team | Date | Duration of record |
| 53 | Set record | 2008 | Georgia Ellinaki | 34 | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in) | Greece | 21 August 2008 | 3 years, 354 days |
| 102 | Broke record | 2012 | Elizabeth Armstrong$^‡$ | 29 | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) | United States | 9 August 2012 | 4 years, 10 days |
| 138 | Broke record | 2016 | Yang Jun | 28 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | China | 19 August 2016 | 8 years, 125 days |

### Top sprinters (one tournament)

The following table is pre-sorted by number of sprints won (in descending order), edition of the Olympics (in ascending order), number of sprints contested (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 13 August 2021.
Four female players have won 20 or more sprints in an Olympic water polo tournament.
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Vanda Vályi won 27 sprints, helping Hungary win bronze. She is the most efficient one among these four sprinters.

#### Legend and abbreviation

* Team – Host team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with his team
* Eff % – Efficiency (Sprints won / Sprints contested)
* 96.4% – Highest efficiency
Female players with 20 or more sprints won in an Olympic tournament :
| Rk | Year | Sprinter | Birth | Age | Height | Sprints won | Sprints contested | Eff % | Women's team | Finish |
| 1 | 2020 | Vanda Vályi | 1999 | 21 | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) | 27 | 28 | 96.4% | Hungary | 3rd of 10 teams |
| 2 | 2004 | Kyriaki Liosi | 1979 | 24 | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | 21 | 23 | 91.3% | Greece | 2nd of 8 teams |
| 3 | 2012 | Kate Gynther | 1982 | 30 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | 21 | 24 | 87.5% | Australia | 3rd of 8 teams |
| 3 | 2012 | Jennifer Pareja | 1984 | 28 | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in) | 21 | 24 | 87.5% | Spain | 2nd of 8 teams |
Source:
* Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (p. 102), 2004 (p. 52), 2008 (p. 53), 2012 (p. 344), 2016 (p. 192).
The following table is pre-sorted by edition of the Olympics (in ascending order), number of sprints contested (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 13 August 2021.
Kate Gynther, captain of the Australia women's national team, and Jennifer Pareja, captain of the Spain women's national team, were the joint top sprinters at the 2012 London Olympics.
At the 2020 Summer Olympics, Hungarian Vanda Vályi won 27 sprints, setting the record for the most sprints won by a female water polo player in a single Olympic tournament.

#### Legend and abbreviation

* Team – Host team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with his team
* Eff % – Efficiency (Sprints won / Sprints contested)
Female players with the most sprints won in each Olympic tournament :
| Year | Sprinter | Birth | Age | Height | Sprints won | Sprints contested | Eff % | Women's team | Finish |
| 2000 | Tatiana Petrova | 1973 | 27 | 1.62 m (5 ft 4 in) | 16 | 22 | 72.7% | Russia | 3rd of 8 teams |
| 2004 | Kyriaki Liosi | 1979 | 24 | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | 21 | 23 | 91.3% | Greece | 2nd of 8 teams |
| 2008 | Wang Yi | 1987 | 21 | 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in) | 18 | 19 | 94.7% | China | 5th of 8 teams |
| 2012 | Kate Gynther | 1982 | 30 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | 21 | 24 | 87.5% | Australia | 3rd of 8 teams |
| 2012 | Jennifer Pareja | 1984 | 28 | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in) | 21 | 24 | 87.5% | Spain | 2nd of 8 teams |
| 2016 | Rachel Fattal$^‡$ | 1993 | 22 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | 17 | 23 | 73.9% | United States | 1st of 8 teams |
| 2020 | Vanda Vályi | 1999 | 21 | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) | 27 | 28 | 96.4% | Hungary | 3rd of 10 teams |
Source:
* Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (p. 102), 2004 (p. 52), 2008 (p. 53), 2012 (p. 344), 2016 (p. 192).
The following table shows the historical progression of the record of sprints won by a female water polo player in a single Olympic tournament. Last updated: 13 August 2021.

#### Legend

* Team – Host team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with his team
Historical progression of records: Most sprints won by a female player, one tournament :
| Sprints won | Achievement | Year | Sprinter | Age | Height | Women's team | Date | Duration of record |
| 16 | Set record | 2000 | Tatiana Petrova | 27 | 1.62 m (5 ft 4 in) | Russia | 23 September 2000 | 3 years, 338 days |
| 21 | Broke record | 2004 | Kyriaki Liosi | 24 | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | Greece | 26 August 2004 | 20 years, 118 days |
| 21 | Tied record | 2012 | Kate Gynther | 30 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | Australia | 9 August 2012 | 20 years, 118 days |
| 21 | Tied record | 2012 | Jennifer Pareja | 28 | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in) | Spain | 9 August 2012 | 20 years, 118 days |
| 27 | Broke record | 2020 | Vanda Vályi | 21 | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) | Hungary | 7 August 2021 | 3 years, 137 days |

### Top sprinters (all-time)

The following table is pre-sorted by number of total sprints won (in descending order), number of total sprints contested (in ascending order), year of the last Olympic appearance (in ascending order), year of the first Olympic appearance (in ascending order), name of the player (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 15 May 2021.
Australian Kate Gynther holds the record for the most sprints won by a female water polo player at the Olympics, with 39 sprints won at three Olympics (2004–2012).
Wang Yi of China won 35 sprints in two Olympic tournaments between 2008 and 2012.

#### Legend and abbreviation

* – Hosts
* Eff % – Efficiency (Sprints won / Sprints contested)
All-time female players with 30 or more sprints won at the Olympics :
| Rk | Sprinter | Birth | Height | Women's team | Total Sprints won | Total Sprints contested | Eff % | Water polo tournaments (sprints won / contested) | Water polo tournaments (sprints won / contested) | Water polo tournaments (sprints won / contested) | Water polo tournaments (sprints won / contested) | Water polo tournaments (sprints won / contested) | Period (age of first/last) | Medals | Medals | Medals | Medals | Ref |
| Rk | Sprinter | Birth | Height | Women's team | Total Sprints won | Total Sprints contested | Eff % | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Period (age of first/last) | G | S | B | T | Ref |
| 1 | Kate Gynther | 1982 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | Australia | 39 | 58 | 67.2% | 2004 (5/8) | 2008 (13/26) | 2012 (21/24) | | | 8 years (22/30) | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | |
| 2 | Wang Yi | 1987 | 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in) | China | 35 | 47 | 74.5% | 2008 (18/19) | 2012 (17/28) | | | | 4 years (21/25) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Source:
* Official Results Books (PDF): 2000 (p. 102), 2004 (p. 52), 2008 (p. 53), 2012 (p. 344), 2016 (p. 192).
The following table shows the historical progression of the record of total sprints won by a female water polo player at the Summer Olympics. Last updated: 15 May 2021.

#### Legend

* Team – Host team
* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with his team
Historical progression of records: Most sprints won by a female player, all-time :
| Total Sprints won | Achievement | Year | Sprinter | Age | Height | Women's team | Date | Duration of record |
| 21 | Set record | 2004 | Kyriaki Liosi | 24 | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | Greece | 26 August 2004 | 3 years, 357 days |
| 28 | Broke record | 2008 | Kyriaki Liosi | 28 | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | Greece | 17 August 2008 | 3 years, 358 days |
| 39 | Broke record | 2012 | Kate Gynther | 30 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | Australia | 9 August 2012 | 12 years, 135 days |

### All-star teams by tournament

This is a summary of women's Olympic all-star teams by tournament. Last updated: 1 April 2021.

#### Legend and abbreviation

* Player$^‡$ – Player who won the tournament with her team
* LH – Left-handed
* Eff % – Save efficiency (Saves / Shots)
Women's Olympic all-star teams by tournament (since 2004) :
| Year | Most Valuable Player | All-star team | All-star team | All-star team | Ref |
| 2004 | Italy Tania Di Mario$^‡$ Right side player 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Goalkeeper | Georgia Ellinaki (40 saves, 54.8%) | Georgia Ellinaki (40 saves, 54.8%) | |
| 2004 | Italy Tania Di Mario$^‡$ Right side player 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Field players | Tania Di Mario$^‡$ (14 goals, 7 sprints won) | Rita Drávucz (7 goals, 6 sprints won) | |
| 2004 | Italy Tania Di Mario$^‡$ Right side player 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Field players | Kyriaki Liosi (9 goals, 21 sprints won) | Martina Miceli$^‡$ (9 goals) | |
| 2004 | Italy Tania Di Mario$^‡$ Right side player 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Field players | Evangelia Moraitidou (7 goals) | Brenda Villa (7 goals) | |
| 2008 | — | Goalkeeper | Patrícia Horváth (43 saves, 55.8%) | Patrícia Horváth (43 saves, 55.8%) | |
| 2008 | — | Field players | Daniëlle de Bruijn$^‡$ (LH, 17 goals, 15 sprints won) | Elisa Casanova (LH, 7 goals) | |
| 2008 | — | Field players | Gao Ao (11 goals) | Bronwen Knox (12 goals) | |
| 2008 | — | Field players | Jessica Steffens (5 goals) | Ágnes Valkai (7 goals, 10 sprints won) | |
| 2012 | United States Maggie Steffens$^‡$ Left side player 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Goalkeeper | Elizabeth Armstrong$^‡$ (53 saves, 52.5%) | Elizabeth Armstrong$^‡$ (53 saves, 52.5%) | [55] [56] |
| 2012 | United States Maggie Steffens$^‡$ Left side player 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Field players | Barbara Bujka (LH, 12 goals) | Anni Espar (15 goals) | [55] [56] |
| 2012 | United States Maggie Steffens$^‡$ Left side player 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Field players | Holly Lincoln-Smith (5 goals) | Jennifer Pareja (12 goals, 21 sprints won) | [55] [56] |
| 2012 | United States Maggie Steffens$^‡$ Left side player 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Field players | Maggie Steffens$^‡$ (21 goals) | Nicola Zagame (12 goals, 4 sprints won) | [55] [56] |
| 2016 | United States Maggie Steffens$^‡$ (2) Left side player 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Goalkeeper | Ashleigh Johnson$^‡$ (51 saves, 64.6%) | Ashleigh Johnson$^‡$ (51 saves, 64.6%) | |
| 2016 | United States Maggie Steffens$^‡$ (2) Left side player 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Field players | Barbara Bujka (LH, 15 goals) | Arianna Garibotti (12 goals) | |
| 2016 | United States Maggie Steffens$^‡$ (2) Left side player 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Field players | Rita Keszthelyi (14 goals, 10 sprints won) | Maddie Musselman$^‡$ (12 goals) | |
| 2016 | United States Maggie Steffens$^‡$ (2) Left side player 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Field players | Ashleigh Southern (14 goals) | Maggie Steffens$^‡$ (17 goals, 1 sprints won) | |
| Year | Most Valuable Player | All-star team | All-star team | All-star team | Ref |

### Olympic champion families
## Coach statistics
### Most successful coaches

The following table is pre-sorted by total number of Olympic medals (in descending order), number of Olympic gold medals (in descending order), number of Olympic silver medals (in descending order), year of winning the last Olympic medal (in ascending order), year of winning the first Olympic medal (in ascending order), name of the coach (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 31 March 2021.
There are three coaches who led women's national water polo teams to win two or more Olympic medals.
Guy Baker guided the United States women's national team to three Olympic medals in a row between 2000 and 2008.
Adam Krikorian coached the United States women's national team to three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 2012, 2016 and 2024.
Miki Oca guided United States women's national team to three Olympic medals between 2012 and 2024, including one gold.
Greg McFadden led Australia women's national team to win two consecutive Olympic bronze medals in 2008 and 2012.

#### Legend

* – Hosts
Head coaches who led women's national teams to win two or more Olympic medals :
| Rk | Head coach | Nationality | Birth | Age | Women's team | Tournaments (finish) | Tournaments (finish) | Tournaments (finish) | Tournaments (finish) | Period | Medals | Medals | Medals | Medals | Ref |
| Rk | Head coach | Nationality | Birth | Age | Women's team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Period | G | S | B | T | Ref |
| 1 | Adam Krikorian | United States | 1974 | 38–42 | United States | 2012 (1st) | 2016 (1st) | 2020 (1st) | | 12 years | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | [60] [59] |
| 2 | Miki Oca | Spain | 1970 | 42–54 | Spain | 2012 (2nd) | | 2020 (2nd) | 2024 (1st) | | 12 years | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | |
| 3 | Guy Baker | United States | | | United States | 2000 (2nd) | 2004 (3rd) | 2008 (2nd) | | 8 years | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | [58] [59] |
| 4 | Greg McFadden | Australia | 1964 | 43–51 | Australia | 2008 (3rd) | 2012 (3rd) | 2016 (6th) | | 8 years | | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | [64] [62] |

### Medals as coach and player

The following table is pre-sorted by total number of Olympic medals (in descending order), number of Olympic gold medals (in descending order), number of Olympic silver medals (in descending order), year of winning the last Olympic medal (in ascending order), year of winning the first Olympic medal (in ascending order), name of the person (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 31 March 2021.
As of 2016, two water polo players won Olympic medals and then guided women's national water polo teams to the Olympic podium as head coaches.
With the Hungary men's national water polo team, István Görgényi won a silver medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. He was appointed head coach of the Australia women's national team in 1998. At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, he led the team to win the inaugural women's water polo gold medal.
Spanish water polo player Miki Oca won a silver medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Four years later, he won a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. As a head coach, he guided Spain women's national water polo team to a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and silver medals at London 2012 and Tokyo 2020.

#### Legend

* Year$^*$ – As host team
| Rk | Person | Birth | Height | Player | Player | Player | Player | Head coach | Head coach | Head coach | Total medals | Total medals | Total medals | Total medals | Ref |
| Rk | Person | Birth | Height | Age | Men's team | Pos | Medal | Age | Women's team | Medal | G | S | B | T | Ref |
| 1 | Miki Oca | 1970 | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) | 22–26 | Spain | FP | 1992$^*$ , 1996 | 42 | Spain | 2024 2012, 2020 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 5 | |
| 2 | István Görgényi | 1946 | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) | 25 | Hungary | FP | 1972 | 53 | Australia | 2000$^*$ | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | [65] [66] |