In Episode 3, Season 1 of It Takes Heart, we’re joined by Marguerite King, an accomplished sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapist, fresh from the Paris Olympic Games. As the lead physio for the Aussie Stingers, Australia’s women’s water polo team, Marguerite shares her journey from her early days as a rowing Olympian to her role on the sidelines of one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

Working with a team that secured a silver medal, Marguerite’s career exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and passion. From her work at the Queensland Academy of Sport to her PhD research on athlete injury prevention, Marguerite’s story is one of dedication and the pursuit of excellence.

Marguerite’s path to becoming lead physio for Water Polo Australia was not linear. Starting her career at the acute stroke unit at Greenslopes Hospital in Brisbane, she transitioned to sports physiotherapy after completing her master’s degree. “I think working in stroke care taught me about trust, care, and teamwork,” Marguerite explains, reflecting on the transferable skills she brought to elite sports.

A pivotal moment came when Marguerite was asked to take on water polo players at the Queensland Academy of Sport. “I had no idea about water polo,” she recalls, “but I knew I wanted to help tackle their challenges, especially with shoulder injuries.”

Marguerite’s innovative approach involved collaborating with engineers to design waterproof sensors for tracking players’ movements and preventing injuries. This research became the cornerstone of her PhD at the University of Queensland.

Being part of the Olympics is no ordinary job. Marguerite shares the discipline and focus required, not just from the athletes but also from their support teams.

Marguerite’s experience highlights the intense preparation behind every game. Her day-to-day role involves treating athletes, managing wellness data, and liaising with coaches to ensure alignment across the team.

“Adaptability is so important in elite sports,” she explains. “Whether it’s here in Australia or during a tournament overseas, you have to be flexible and ready for anything.”

The physical demands of water polo are relentless, and injuries are common. “Shoulder and hip injuries, lumbar spine issues, and even lacerations—it’s a contact sport, and the demands on the body are incredible,” Marguerite says.

The silver medal was the result of years of hard work. “I think the medal is like the cherry on top,” Marguerite reflects. “It’s the culmination of all the small, unseen efforts by the athletes and the support team.”

She credits the team’s head coach, Bec Rippon, for fostering a culture of clarity and alignment. “Her leadership was crucial in bringing the team together,” Marguerite says, adding that the values of bravery and respect played a key role in their success.

Now back in Brisbane, Marguerite is taking a break from clinical work to focus on completing her PhD. She’s excited about the potential for her research to transform how water polo injuries are managed in the future.

Marguerite’s advice for young physiotherapists? “Say yes and figure it out later,” she says. “Don’t second-guess yourself—if someone believes in you enough to offer you an opportunity, take it.”

Watch Episode 12 of It Takes Heart celebrating sports, community, and the enduring spirit of perseverance.

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More About Marguerite King’s Charity of Choice: Clem Jones Centre for Aging Dementia Research

During the podcast, Marguerite chose to support the Clem Jones Centre for Aging Dementia Research at the University of Queensland in honour of her late father, a dentist and healthcare professional. “He would have been so proud,” she says, highlighting the centre’s vital work in dementia research.

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