It takes a lot of time and work to become an Olympic water polo player, but anyone can try it. Water polo takes fitness, swimming ability, ball-handling skills, and a sense of awareness of what is happening around you (where is the ball, what will I do if it comes toward me).

Both men's and women's water polo is part of the Olympic games, but it is contested at many other levels as well. There are competitions at the international, national, regional, age group, college, club and high school levels.

To get started, find a local water polo team or club through the United States Water Polo Website and get to the pool.

Good luck and Swim on!