Tokyo Olympics: Water polo defender Nathan Power motivated by family loss

When Nathan Power’s mum passed away when he was just 12 he wanted to stay connected to her. And he found a way to do that through a sport taking him to the Olympics.

There’s not a lot that can knock water polo player Nathan Power for six in Tokyo after the top defender contracted Covid-19 in Europe, was forced into quarantine numerous times and then lost a family member in the final countdown to the Games.

While his teammates have motivation to burn as they chase a medal in Tokyo, Newcastle’s Power has even more after the recent loss of his grandfather.

Power, who contracted Covid-19 while in Spain playing in a professional league, was lucky to emerge from quarantine in Sydney just in time to farewell his grandfather who passed away last month.

Nathan Power has extra motivation for success in Tokyo.

“I got to have some last moments with him which is something special because he played a pivotal role in who I am. And that’s definitely driving me the Tokyo,” said Power of his grandfather Doug.

“He was very proud. I’d like to do something special for him.’’

The 28-year-old from New Lambton in Newcastle contracted coronavirus last year in Barcelona.

“I arrived as the second wave was picking up last October and I contracted the virus at the end of November,’’ he said.

“Fortunately I was relatively asymptomatic so I got through it. It was just flu-like with a bit of fatigue for me and only lasted a day or so.’’

However, Power said the experience of living with strict restrictions in Europe, playing at empty stadiums and having to spend long periods in quarantine due to teammates also testing positive has prepared him well for Tokyo.

“I developed patience and learned how to stay focused, not letting the little things stress you, which will come in handy,’’ he said.

“We’ve (the team) have had a couple of chats about how to manage things. I was the only person over there (in Europe).’’

Nathan Power injured his hand before Rio and was unable to compete.

After missing the Rio Olympics due to a hand injury just prior to the start of the 2016 Games, Power said he wants to make the most of his second chance opportunity in Tokyo playing a sport his mother loved.

His mother Christine Power passed away when he was just 12-years-old.

“She played for NSW and Australia country and a year after she passed I was looking to do something in summer and one of the people involved in her club asked me to play and it went form there,’’ he said.

“I then got selected to play in a NSW junior side and that gave me a passion. It made me feel connected to her playing a sport my mum held dear.’’

Australia opens its campaign against Group B opponents Montenegro on July 25.

The men’s team are considered an outside chance of a medal in Tokyo due to strong results prior to coronavirus putting an end to their international matches last year.