Proud parents make trip to Paris to watch Sharks vie for Olympic glory
By Kirra Livingstone
MALENY Golf Club general manager, Stephen Porter, and his partner Wendy, could not have been prouder as they watched their son, Nic Porter, help take the Australian Water Polo team to new heights at the 2024 Olympics.
The Aussie Sharks stayed in the hunt for an elusive gold medal, reaching the quarter finals before going down 10-11 to the US in a nailbiting penalty shootout.
Nic’s dad, Stephen, could not be prouder of his son for making a magnificent Olympic debut.
“He’s a wonderful person,” Stephen said.
“He’s a very kind, gentle and caring person, the person that he is, that’s what we are most proud of.
“But then going out and the discipline, dedication, perseverance and resilience, to get to where he is, it’s a testament to his character.”
Nic and his family grew up in Peregian Springs and he attended St Andrew’s Anglican College on the Sunshine Coast.
He then moved to the United States and graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Health and Human Sciences, and now plays representative water polo in Spain for Barcelona.
Stephen said Nic’s favourite part of water polo is the home away from home he experiences amongst his teammates.
“He loves the camaraderie and the social aspect of the sport, and he loves the water, he’s a sea creature not a land creature,” Stephen said.
“Water polo is a very close knit community, wherever he’s been playing each team is like a family to him.”
Nic’s dad added that when they found out he had made it into the team, they cried tears of joy.
“We actually booked the flights a year in advance, so whether he made it or not we were going to Paris,” he said. The team finished in 8th place after losing to Italy 10-6 on August 11.
kirra@gcnews.com.au
