DAVID HART

CLASS OF 2025 - BUILDER INDUCTEE

David Hart’s induction into the Canadian Water Polo Hall of Fame in 2025 is a recognition of his extraordinary influence on the sport as an athlete, coach, administrator, and innovator. His career, spanning over seven decades and 14 Olympic cycles, is the most extensive of any Canadian water polo figure in history. As a player and coach, Hart is a four-time Olympian (1972, 1976, 1984, 2000) and co-captained the national team at the 1976 Montreal Games. His contributions extended beyond his playing career, as he transitioned into coaching, where he became the only Canadian to coach all six national team programs—Senior Men, Senior Women, Junior Men, Junior Women, Youth Men, and Youth Women. Hart further distinguished himself internationally by becoming the first Canadian to serve as head coach of a foreign national team, leading Brazil’s women’s team from 2002 to 2003. His coaching achievements include eight international medals, notably a gold with the Canadian women’s team at the 1999 Pan American Games. 

Hart’s impact on Canadian water polo goes beyond competition. As the Technical Director for Water Polo Canada, he spearheaded numerous initiatives that helped shape the sport’s development nationwide. He was instrumental in expanding the National Championships, launching Canada’s first national coaching certification programs, and pioneering the Canadian Water Polo League (CWPL), which provided athletes with greater opportunities for high-level play. His innovative contributions included the development of one of the first computer-based game analysis systems for water polo, helping to modernize the sport’s tactical approach. Furthermore, his grassroots initiatives, such as "Operation 10,000," aimed at significantly increasing national participation, and "I Love Water Polo," a widely adopted youth program, have played a crucial role in fostering the next generation of Canadian water polo athletes. 

Even after decades of service to the sport, Hart continues to leave a lasting legacy. He has authored multiple historical works on Canadian water polo, preserving the rich history of the sport for future generations. As Chairperson of the Canadian Water Polo Hall of Fame, he has worked to ensure that the contributions of past and present athletes and coaches are recognized. In recent years, he has taken on roles as a mentor and high-performance advisor, guiding young athletes and coaches as they develop their skills. His unwavering dedication and pioneering efforts have left an indelible mark on Canadian water polo, making his induction into the Hall of Fame a fitting tribute to a truly legendary career.