Amelie Hoefel, a promising talent in water polo hailing from Redcliffe, has achieved a significant milestone in her young athletic career. At just 16 years old, she has been selected to represent Australia at the World Aquatics Women’s U16 Water Polo Championships in Turkey.
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The Redcliffe State High School student is set to embark on a training tour in Greece before heading to Turkey for the championships, which will take place from 28 June to 4 July 2024. The event features 24 teams, with Australia and New Zealand being the only representatives from Oceania.
Amelie’s selection is the culmination of relentless dedication and intensive training. She attended a series of camps at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, Brisbane, and Sydney, before emerging as one of the final athletes chosen to represent Australia.
Fundraising for a Dream
Despite the excitement, the journey comes with significant costs. Amelie has initiated a fundraising campaign to support her trip.
“I love water polo since I was a baby watching it and have been competitively playing since I was 11 years old. I am dedicated and passionate about the sport, travelling over 700 km weekly just for training. Water polo has enabled me to travel interstate where I represented Queensland,” she wrote.
A Passion Rooted in Family Tradition
Water polo runs deep in the Hoefel family. Amelie grew up watching her father, uncle, and grandfather play the sport in Germany. Inspired by their passion, she decided to give it a try after moving to Australia. At the age of 11, she attended a come-and-try session and was immediately hooked.
Her early years were spent with the North Brisbane Polo Bears at Albany Creek Leisure Centre, before she transitioned to the Mermaids on Brisbane’s southside. Now, she trains rigorously for two hours every day after school, juggling commitments to her club, the Australian squad, and her regional school team.
Looking Ahead
Amelie’s ultimate dream is to continue representing Australia in future competitions. Reflecting on the forthcoming championship, she expressed both hope and realism. She acknowledges the physical and tough nature of the competition but sees it as a valuable learning experience.
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With her talent, passion, and family heritage in water polo, Redcliffe’s own Amelie Hoefel is poised to make a significant impact on the international stage, representing not just her country but the legacy of her family’s love for the sport.
Published 5-June-2024