LIWA extends our warmest congratulations to member Simone Fountain (née Hankin), who will be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) on Saturday 16 May 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (USA).

Simone’s induction is a significant moment for Australian aquatic sport. She will be the only Australian among 11 international athletes honoured in 2026, with the award recognising an outstanding playing career and decades of contribution to the sport.

A career-defining Olympic moment—and a legacy that kept growing

Simone is celebrated as one of the standout athletes of her era, widely regarded as a leading centre forward in women’s water polo. A defining highlight came at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games—the first time women’s water polo was included on the Olympic program—where Simone helped deliver a gold medal for Australia in an unforgettable home-Games campaign.

The Sydney Games marked a turning point for women’s water polo in Australia. Simone’s role in that breakthrough year remains an enduring part of our sporting story, and her recognition by ISHOF reflects the impact of the athletes who helped elevate the game onto the world stage.

From elite athlete to coach, mentor and regional advocate

Following her playing career, Simone moved to Western Australia and continued shaping the sport from the sidelines—leading programs, supporting athlete pathways and investing in the next generation of players and coaches. Her sport profile highlights extensive coaching experience and service across multiple clubs and programs, along with significant honours recognising her contribution to Australian sport.

Simone Fountain - Sport Profile

Importantly, Simone’s influence has also been strongly felt outside the metro area. She continues to support the growth of water polo and active participation across regional WA, sharing her experience and passion with communities throughout the state.

Continuing her contribution in the Pilbara

Today, Simone is based in the Pilbara and works with the City of Karratha as Acting Manager Community Facilities, bringing her leadership and experience into the day-to-day delivery of community recreation. It’s a fitting continuation of a career defined by service—helping create opportunities for people to get involved, stay active, and connect through sport and aquatic programs.

Why this matters for WA aquatics

Simone’s induction is worth celebrating not only for the headline, but for what it represents:

• Recognition of women’s sport leadership and the generations who helped build the platform it stands on today
• A powerful example of giving back, through coaching, mentoring and long-term advocacy
• Inspiration for communities across WA, especially in regional areas where sustained support makes a lasting difference

Congratulations, Simone

On behalf of LIWA Aquatics and our members across Western Australia: congratulations, Simone, on this extraordinary and well-deserved honour. Your achievements, leadership and ongoing commitment to community sport continue to make a meaningful impact.

We’ll be cheering from WA as you take your place among the greats at the International Swimming Hall of Fame on 16 May 2026.

You can read the official announcement here.