1.15.26 I BEHIND THE SCENES WITH USA MEN’S WATER POLO: YOGA’S ROLE IN OLYMPIC SUCCESS I KRISTIN VARNER

Dubbed one of the toughest sports on the planet, water polo combines the endurance of swimming, the physicality of wrestling, and the strategy of basketball - all played in water. It’s brutal, relentless, and intense.

That’s why the USA Men’s National Water Polo Team’s bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics was so historic. After years off the podium, this achievement signals a new era of momentum heading toward the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Behind this success, there’s more than training in the pool. Yoga, often overlooked in competitive sports, has become a crucial part of the team’s preparation. I’ve had the privilege of working with these elite athletes, tailoring yoga sessions to meet their unique needs.

Water polo players face chronic physical challenges - from shoulder strain and hip tightness to muscular imbalances caused by the sport’s explosive, repetitive motions. Yoga provides vital resources to address these issues. Through mindful movement, breath awareness, and intentional stillness, players improve their mobility, release tension, and sharpen their mental focus. These sessions offer a crucial chance to reset and recover, complementing their intense, high-impact workouts.

What’s striking to me is the athletes’ openness and commitment to this practice. They come to the mat ready to push limits in every sense - physically, mentally, and emotionally. Watching them slow their breath, soften tension, and cultivate awareness has been a powerful reminder of how small, intentional practices can fuel big victories.

As the team builds toward LA 2028, the integration of holistic approaches like yoga will be key to sustaining their resilience and performance on the world stage. Supporting these men is an honor - and a front-row seat to a thrilling journey of dedication, grit, and growth.