Water polo legend and industry innovator Anti Kajlich passes away

By Nigel Benton

Sadly, water polo legend, innovator and passionate supporter of the Australian aquatic industry and local manufacturing, Anton (Anti) Kajlich has passed away.

Anti was a lifelong water polo player and a goalie of remarkable distinction, which included him representing the Czechoslovakian National Team and earning multiple FINA World Masters medals.

Raised in the small spa town of Piestany in what is now Slovakia, after fleeing Czechoslovakia in 1967, he became an All-American goalie at the University of California Berkeley in the USA, where he earned the university’s first sports scholarship for water polo.

Most recently, he won the goalie award at the 2023 Water Polo Masters under 81 division – at 80 years of age.

He was the founder and creative force behind Anti Wave, a company that revolutionised water polo equipment through innovative designs for goals and racing lanes, as well as providing high quality lane ropes, starting blocks and swim walls.

Anti designed and patented the world’s first Anti Goal in 1974, which became the world’s best-selling water polo goal, and which remains an integral part of competitions and training in Australia and around the world.

Later he developed his patented wave-calming racing lanes.

Relocating to Brisbane with his wife and family in 1981, he established Anti Wave’s global headquarters in the city. In 2013 Anti Wave was bought by SR Smith, which was in turn bought by Fluidra in 2021.

Actively involved in water polo throughout his life, including as a master’s participant, he made a surprise appearance at the Anti Kajlich Master’s Polo Cup in his hometown in 2023.

A beloved figure in the water polo community Anti is remembered for his kindness, integrity and deep love for the sport, leaving behind a lasting legacy of innovation and inspiration.

Across the wider aquatic community, he is remembered for his visionary leadership and will be remembered with great respect and affection by all who encountered him.

Anti Wave will endure, with his son, also named Anton Kajlich, continuing to innovate in aquatic sport equipment.

SPLASH! offers sincere condolences to family, friends and colleagues.

IMAGE: Anti Kajlich in action (Supplied: Anti Wave)