WALNUT, Calif. (AP) Ben Hallock has achieved victories at every level of water polo: in high school in Southern California, in college at Stanford, and professionally with Pro Recco, one of the world’s premier clubs.

However, Olympic gold remains elusive for the 6-foot-6 center, a goal he is determined to achieve this summer.

“I’d trade all my current medals for an Olympic medal in Paris,” Hallock stated. “No question about it.”

As Paris approaches, Hallock and the U.S. men’s team aim for their first medal since winning silver in 2008, beginning with a match against Italy on Sunday.

To reach the podium, the U.S. will need Hallock to perform at his highest level and for his teammates to rise to the occasion.

“It always comes down to the details,” said the 26-year-old Hallock. “I’ve played this sport for a long time, and the small details, especially the rare opportunity of the Olympics, can haunt you. It’s about thinking of what we can do differently and how we can close the gap.”

Hallock made his Olympic debut at 18 in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, where the U.S. finished 10th. After redshirting to train with the national team, he returned to Stanford, winning two consecutive Cutino Awards—water polo’s Heisman Trophy—and leading the Cardinals to the 2019 NCAA title.

When COVID-19 disrupted U.S. training and delayed the Tokyo Olympics, Hallock joined professional teams in Europe, winning three Champions League titles with Pro Recco in Italy. By the Tokyo Olympics, he had evolved, scoring 12 times and creating significant matchup issues.

“He’s one of the best centers in the world,” said U.S. attacker Max Irving. “Everyone recognizes it, even his teammates at Pro Recco.”

Johnny Hooper, a former high school teammate, emphasized Hallock’s dedication to mastering every aspect of his game. “He excels at every fundamental skill in water polo,” Hooper said. “He can play with both hands, has incredible legs, can turn, step out, pass, and shoot.”

The U.S. finished sixth in Tokyo, their best result since 2008, but Hallock remains unsatisfied, seeking to capitalize on more opportunities and improve defensively.

“I see so many areas to improve when I watch videos of myself,” he remarked.

As Paris draws near, Hallock finds support and perspective from his fiancée, Kara Bajema, a professional volleyball player. Initially unfamiliar with water polo, Bajema was struck by its physicality, saying, “It’s the most physical sport I’ve ever seen. It looks like you’re drowning each other.”

Hallock appreciates her insights and values their conversations about the dynamics of team sports.