Elle Armit

Waterpolo & Olympic Silver medalist - Born in 1991 from Townsville, QLD

My water polo journey has been defined as much by setbacks as by successes. I wasn’t selected in every junior national team, and at times it felt like the path forward was slipping away. Each missed selection was a sharp reminder that talent alone doesn’t guarantee opportunity—commitment, adaptability, and perseverance matter just as much. These moments forced me to reassess my goals, refine my approach to training, and build the mental toughness that would become the backbone of my career.

When the Tokyo Olympics approached, I came dangerously close to not making th national team. That experience taught me that selection is never a given, and that the work you do outside the spotlight is just as important as the moments that everyone sees. I channelled the uncertainty into drive, training with purpose and learning to focus on what I could control: my preparation, my attitude, and my support for my teammates.

The toughest blow in my career came when I was deselected from the Australian team just six months out from the Paris Olympics. While it was a moment of heartbreak, it was also a turning point. I realised that my identity and worth weren’t tied solely to making a roster. Instead, I chose to keep moving forward because I knew I would have regrets stopping that close. I did this by setting new goals, staying connected to the sport I love, and finding new ways to grow both as an athlete and a person. These experiences, while painful, have shaped me into someone who values persistence over perfection and understands that true success lies in resilience.

Your goals can light the fire within you, but they are not the measure of your worth. You’re not alone in reaching some and falling short of others; every athlete faces that journey. Each moment is a chance to pause, reflect, and ask: Does this still align with the life I want? If your heart says yes, then rise, reset, and keep moving forward with purpose.