Gabi Palm

Biography

Gabi Palm's journey in water polo began with a defining three-month stint in Italy back in late 2017, where she honed her goalkeeping skills to new levels. After graduating from Brisbane Girls Grammar School, Gabi joined the Queensland Academy of Sport on a scholarship, where she set her sights on the 2020 Olympics—a goal that, through dedication and hard work, she realized.

Gabi enjoyed early international success by winning medals at the FINA World League Intercontinental Cup and the FINA World Championships, culminating in a gold in 2017, silver in 2018, and a bronze in 2019. Her Olympic debut came at the postponed 2020 Tokyo Games, where she played a pivotal role as Australia's goalkeeper. The team had a strong group stage showing but narrowly missed out on a semifinal spot after a close match with the ROC, ultimately finishing fifth overall while conceding the second-least number of goals in the tournament—an impressive feat showcasing Gabi's skills.

Her leadership qualities came to the forefront during the 2023 World Aquatic Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, where the Australian team finished fourth. She continued to excel in subsequent international competitions and took on a more significant leadership role after many senior players retired post-Tokyo Olympics.

Now a professional player for Club Esportiu Mediterrani in Barcelona, Gabi is focused on leading her team towards success at upcoming events, including the eagerly anticipated Paris 2024 Olympics. Her journey from a hopeful scholar to a cornerstone of the Australian team is both an inspiration and a testament to the spirit of perseverance.