Ethan Davis climbed the country’s water polo ranks for 11 years, and finally he earned a trip Down Under.

The Crescentwood resident, after years of trying, made the Canadian national water polo team that is competing in the World Youth Championships in Perth, Australia, this week.

The team was 1-1 at press time, having beaten Egypt and lost to Hungary in round-robin play. An upcoming game against the U.S. will close out the group stage of the tournament.

"I got noticed by the junior national coaches at a training camp in March," Davis said via e-mail from Australia prior to the start of the tournament.

He joined the team in Montreal as it prepared for the Pan American Championships, but didn’t make the second cut.

"When I was chosen for the junior team going to worlds it was a big relief," added the member of the Bushido Water Polo Club. "This was something I had been working for since being cut from the Pan American team."

Davis calls himself a fast player, who looks to make the perfect pass first, but can catch the goalie off-guard with an unexpected shot.

"I love being in the water and I have a very competitive personality that motivates me," he said.

Once he returns from Australia, Davis’s focus will continue to hone his game as he hopes to return to international competition. He’ll also be coaching at Bushido, as he tries to give back to the sport.

To follow Canada’s results in Australia, visit waterpolo.ca.

avi.saper@canstarnews.com