Paris 2024: Stingers capture attention of the heart of Paris for once in a lifetime moment

The Australian women’s water polo team have taken to the heart of Paris in the green and gold for a once in a lifetime moment and have brought the iconic spot to a standstill.

It was the day the bronzed Aussies in their cossies brought the heart of Paris to a standstill.

Champion Australian water polo players Tilly Kearns, Alice Williams, Sienna Green, Charlize Andrews and Gabi Palm have been in heavy training focused on gold, but were able to cut loose at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe.

Dressed in their green and gold costumes they were hard to miss. The crowds came flocking as they brought the Olympics to life during the once in a lifetime photo shoot.

For debutant Queensland Andrews she could not quite believe the moment.

Australian Olympic water polo stars - Tilly Kearns, Alice Williams, Sienna Green, Charlize Andrews, and Gabi Palm cat the Arc de Triomphe. Picture: Adam Head

“It’s one we will look back on for many years, it’s just so iconic, it’s so cool,” Andrews said.

For two-time Olympian Kearns it was a “surreal” moment.

“That was awesome. I never in a million years thought I’d be standing here representing my country, but also in my swimsuit with all these people watching,” Kearns said.

The Stingers are hoping to replicate the gold medal from 2000 Sydney. Picture: Adam Head

The Stingers have just come off winning a tournament in Greece. Pics Adam Head

The Stingers are hoping to win gold for the first time since they stood on the dais at the 2000 Sydney Games. Kearns was born the day after the Closing Ceremony of those Games.

But it will be a tough ask with United States, champions of the past three Games, the favourites.

Kearns said though the team is in great shape and is every chance of taking home a gold.

“Every team here is really tough. There’s not going to be a single easy game.

Tilly Kearns is confident she will be there at the business end of the Games. Pics Adam Head

Traffic stopped as the Stingers lined up for a photo shoot in Paris. Picture: Adam Head

Of course the USA is the best in the world but the top six are all neck and neck so it’s really whoever brings it on the day.”

“The Olympics itself is so special and to get to the pinnacle of that is a dream. We think we can get there, I mean we know we can get there.”

The Australian team begins its campaign against China on Saturday.

Originally published as Paris 2024: Stingers capture attention of the heart of Paris for once in a lifetime moment