One of Australia’s most promising young water polo talents is 15-year-old Greek Australian athlete John Ziros, who has been selected to represent Australia’s U16 national team at the upcoming World Championship in Zagreb, Croatia, from August 3–9.
John, who turns 16 this month, attends St Spyridon College in Maroubra and is already being recognised as one of the emerging names in Australian water polo. Playing primarily as a driver and winger, he is known for his speed, defensive intensity, determination and strong game awareness.
His journey into the sport began almost by chance at the age of 11, when a neighbour — who was also a water polo coach — suggested to his father that he should give the sport a try.
“The coach’s son had reached the Olympic Games, and he believed John had the qualities to become a talented player too,” his father, Dimitris Ziros, explained.
John quickly fell in love with the sport.
“I loved it from the very beginning,” he said.
He joined UNSW Wests through training sessions and trial games before playing his first official club match at age 12. Since then, he has steadily progressed through state championships, national competitions and elite training camps.
Over recent years, he has represented New South Wales state teams, competed at National Age Championships and Australian Youth Championships, participated in Queensland State Championships and the UWA Canberra Cup, and attended Australian national selection camps.
Balancing elite sport with school commitments has become part of John’s daily routine. Despite the demanding schedule, he continues to maintain strong academic results, with Mathematics his favourite subject.
Looking ahead, he is considering future studies in Law, Science or Medicine.
“I’m particularly interested in surgery because I like organisation, responsibility, and the fact that you can help people,” he said.
His training schedule consists of early morning swimming sessions, gym work, team training and regular competitions. Preparation for the World Championship is expected to intensify over the coming months, including a two-week training camp in Zagreb before the tournament begins.
Representing Australia is something John has dreamed about for years.
“One day I want to compete at the Olympic Games and play professionally in Europe,” he said.
Despite proudly representing Australia, John also maintains a strong connection to his Greek heritage. He has visited Athens and his grandparents’ hometowns several times and revealed that he would one day love to wear the cap of Olympiacos.
When asked whether he would consider representing Greece internationally in the future, he responded: “First I’d like to represent Australia, and then perhaps Greece as well.”
John comes from a close-knit Greek Australian family. His father is Dimitris Ziros, his mother is Kylie Ziros, and his younger brother Petros is also following the path of water polo. His maternal grandfather migrated from Greece to Canada.
His mother said the family was incredibly proud of his achievements and personal growth.
“Through sport he has learned discipline, resilience, balance, and maturity at a very young age,” Kylie Ziros said.
His father added that the national team selection represents years of sacrifice and consistency behind the scenes.
“People only see the national team selection. They don’t see the 5am wake-ups, endless training sessions, travelling, disappointments, and consistency required over all these years,” Dimitris said.
“We are proud not only of the athlete, but especially of the person he is becoming through this process.”
He also revealed that he had initially hoped his son would continue competitive swimming before eventually introducing him to water polo at the University of New South Wales swimming centre — a decision that ultimately changed the course of his sporting journey.
John’s coach praised the teenager’s work ethic and attitude.
“John brings tremendous speed and defensive intensity to the team. He trains hard, constantly listens to coaches, and always puts the team ahead of himself,” he said.
John also credits much of his inspiration to his grandfather, after whom he was named.
With talent, discipline and ambitious goals, the young Greek Australian now prepares to represent Australia on one of junior water polo’s biggest international stages.
He will also be joined by his coach and Australian Men’s National Team member Nicholas Constantin-Bicari, who is also partly of Greek heritage.
