Dawn rises on Tian's Aussie career

Tian Markart is about to take on the world as the youngest member of the Australia Cadets water polo team.

Next month the 15-year-old from Redcliffe will leave for training and matches in three European countries, before going to Greece for the first FINA Under 16 World Championships.

It is the first international selection for Markart who, in just six years, has risen from rookie to one of the Australia’s Under 16 squad’s goalkeepers.

The Mueller College Year 10 student leaves with the Australian squad on August 9 for Serbia, Montenegro and then Spain to prepare for the world titles in Volos from August 21-27.

'Super excited'

“It (the training camps) will be a change to meet other players and find out what we are up against,” said Markart, who plays for UQ Barracudas.

“I’m super excited to be given this opportunity and to represent Australia is next level.

“I am honoured to be given the chance to get experience of going and playing in other countries.”

Markart was nine when he started playing water polo – which he describes as “the greatest sport in the world” – went in goal and “really enjoyed it”.

Summer Slam

As a goalkeeper he has to constantly tread water throughout each quarter of matches, move into position and make saves. 

His ability was soon spotted and Markart has been a regular in Queensland age teams winning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the Under 12 and Under 14 state titles.

This year he has been in the Queensland Under 15 squad, at two Australian Cadet camps and played in the Under 16 and Under 18 state titles, winning gold at the former.

Markart has also played at the Summer Slam (nationals), for the Under 16 Gold side, the Australian Youth Championships and the Regional Schools helping the Sunshine Coast to gold for the first time in five years.

Olympic goal

It has, of course, taken years of hard work to reach the national team. Markart currently trains six days a week, getting up at 4am to train from 5-7am and again each evening from 6-8pm.

This includes mixing muay thai, strength and conditioning, swimming and specific water polo training while also doing school assignments and playing trumpet in a band.

His long-term sporting aim is to play for the Australian men’s water polo team, the Aussie Sharks, and get to the Olympics.

There is no funding for the water polo players heading to Greece, but Markart’s family has set up a page with the Australian Sports Foundation to help cover costs.

To donate or for further information click here