As I've been developing a feel for what kind of stories would fit well on Watershed, I keep thinking I should narrow my focus even more. I should just research and post science and policy information exclusively. But when I take that to the natural conclusion, I would end up only posting about dams, utilities, and drought. Which, like any narrow focus, would ignore all the joy and purpose that people take out of water, or any other topic. If I'm writing about water, and I can't write about, say, fishing or diving or beaches, then where's the fun?
It would mean I wouldn't post pointers to excellent pieces of trivia like this AP story about Hungary's long-standing fascination with the sport of water polo.
Hungary Springs Spawned Water Polo Glory
By CHRIS DUNCAN, AP Sports Writer
Sunday, July 17, 2005
(07-17) 12:50 PDT MONTREAL, Canada (AP) --World-renowned for their healing powers, the boiling baths of Budapest also gave rise to one of Europe's sports dynasties.
Hungary's men's water polo program won 12 consecutive Olympic medals from 1928 to 1980, including six golds.
...But back in the days before reliably heated pools, the Hungarians used the advantage of their country's thermal springs, which enabled them to train year-round while other teams had to either warm their water or wait out the winter.
"That was very important. We just got to practice more, whenever we wanted," said Kemeny, a member of the national team in the 1970s. "We became like Brazil was in soccer."
And as in Brazil, Hungary's success — past and present — has spawned deep national pride, said Tamas Kasas, the team's 6-foot-7 star.
Kasas said water polo is the most popular sport in his home country, heavily covered by the media and often televised. Well-organized leagues get children playing by the time they turn 6.
That's a lot of medals. It's certainly in the category of Brazil in soccer, or UCLA in college basketball under John Wooden. So it's kind of surprsing that I would have never heard of it. I suffered through decades of non-stop profiles of muscular little gymnastic midgets, yet not once did American Olympic coverage ever mention Hungary's obsession with water polo? That stinks. I wonder if my pal Mark, who covered the Atlanta Olympic, knew about it. Have to send him an epop.
Also, I never knew Budapest was noted for its healing springs.
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