From South Auckland to world stage: Bronson Chungson breaks barriers in water polo

Nineteen-year-old Bronson Chungson, from Māngere, is not only competing in international polo but also breaking new ground as one of the few Pacific Islanders in a sport noted for its lack of diversity.

Born and raised in South Auckland, Chungson has quickly become a standout talent in water polo.

“I grew up in South Auckland, born and raised in Māngere, and went to Sacred Heart College. I currently live in San Francisco and I'm just playing water polo and studying,” he shared in an interview with Tofiga Fepulea’i on Island Time.

Chungson’s journey into the sport began at the Papatoetoe and Māngere swim clubs, where his aunt, a coach at Holy Cross Papatoetoe, introduced him to water polo.

“I didn't enjoy [swimming] as much because it was an individual sport… but water polo being a team sport, it gave me more of a passion and a love for it because I got to play with friends.”

By Year 11 and 12, Chungson was already playing for older New Zealand squads. He now plays for West Valley College in California.

In June, Chungson will compete at the Under-21 World Championships in Croatia and Montenegro. He recognises the challenges ahead.

“Definitely, the European teams are the powerhouses - Hungary, Serbia, Croatia. But we've been fortunate enough to have a slightly less challenging pool. We've got Kazakhstan and Iran. I'm pretty sure Kazakhstan came first in the Asia Cup tournament, so we'll be playing the champs of Asia.”

Chungson’s parents are fundraising to cover his travel costs to the World Championships. On their Givealittle page, they expressed their pride in his achievements, stating, “It’s such an incredible achievement, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

They say water polo is considered a minority sport and does not receive much funding, but they are committed to supporting Chungson’s passion and promoting cultural representation in the sport.

Watch the full interview with Bronson Chungson below.

“He’s often the only Sāmoan player in his teams, and it’s something he’s incredibly proud of. He loves representing his culture in a sport where diversity is rare, and this opportunity to represent both New Zealand and his Sāmoan roots on the world stage is something truly special.”

Looking ahead

Chungson still has one more year at West Valley and hopes to transfer to a four-year college in New York, California, or Los Angeles.

He says a highlight has been staying with other water polo athletes from South Africa, Germany, and Croatia, while representing his cultural roots.

“There are not many Pacific Islanders who are playing the sport, and so I want to make sure that I can inspire and encourage the younger generation to pursue a sport where it's not dominated by Pacific Islanders as well, but we can still make a big mark.”

Bronson Chungson (centre) with his proud parents. Photo/Givealittle

Despite being far from home, he maintains a strong connection to his faith and culture. “It's enormous for me, especially living here, it’s been hard dealing with the pressure and the stress with trying to play well in front of coaches and team-mates. But I always just remember that I'm playing for an audience of one and I give all my glory to God.”

His high school coach, Matt Lewis, a West Valley alumnus, has been one of his biggest inspirations. “There was a time when I was kind of thinking of just quitting water polo… but he helped me find the love and the passion for it again.”

Chungson encourages others to consider water polo. “Just give it a try. I think there's too many times where we pass up these opportunities and we only later realise that we're missing out … It's just throwing a ball, playing with some teammates and having fun.”

Bronson Chungson's waterpolo skills have led to travel and study opportunities. Photo/Supplied