Western Australian Institute of Sport water polo icon Emma Knox has this month decided to retire from the game after playing a starring role in Australia’s bronze medal winning team at the Beijing Olympics.
Knox covered herself in glory by pulling off two dramatic saves in the penalty shoot-out success over Hungary which claimed the Australians’ a coveted medal after two periods of extra time couldn’t break the deadlock.
Knox revealed she knew it was her time to finish, and on her own merits.
“I obviously havemixed feelings about retiring but aclose friend said to me recently that there is a lot to be said about walking away onmy own terms,” she said.
“Playing for Australia is the ultimate honour and being able to do so over the last 13 or so years has been the best ride. My career has been a roller coaster and any athlete will tell you that the lows definitely outweigh the highs by a mile, but you never remember the lows when you reach that high.”
Born in Dampier, WA, Knox first played water polo aged 12 for the Claremont Dolphins. In 1997 she was a member of the Australia team that won the silver medal at the Junior World Cup in Prague.
Knox gained extensive experience in international competition after making her debut in the national senior women’s water polo team at the 2001 World Championships in Japan. She played in the Italian Professional League during 2002 and was a member of the gold medal winning team at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. In 2003 she was a member of the team that finished fifth at the World Cup in Perth. Knox was also a member of the Australian team for the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
Emma also overcame three hip operations as well as knee surgery during her career but has proven true to her motto that is “it only hurts if you let it”.
Knox will now turn her attention to her career, where she works in customs at Perth airport, and whilst she knows it is a big change, she feels water polo will still play a big part in her life.
“I feel very lucky to have had so many opportunities over the many years playing polo, and I will sorely miss the friends I have made doing so,” Knox said.
“The immediate future looks fairly boring in comparison. Settling into work and getting into debt like most Australians seems inevitable. I’d like to think I will be involved in the game. Dumpa (Australian Coach Greg McFadden) has already discussed staying involved in some capacity with the national program.”
Knox still feels excited by the challenges that wait, and WAIS wishes Emma the very best in all future endeavors.
“Like all athletes I want to achieve more. In saying that though, I would never, ever have achieved what I have without the help and support of family and my friends at WAIS.”
