Ray was an excellent all-round player and ferocious competitor. He started his aquatic career as a strong surf swimmer. He first came to prominence when he won the open belt race bronze medal for Cronulla SLSC at the 1979 National Surf Lifesaving titles in Perth. Ray was selected to represent Australia at three Olympic Games and wore the green and gold for a record 532 international matches for the Australian men's team from 1981 to 1996.
- Status: Pending1984Summer Olympics Los Angeles Men's Water Polo. 5th place.
- Status: Pending1988Summer Olympics Seoul Men's Water Polo. 8th place.
- Status: Pending1989World under 21 Championship,Narbonne.
- Status: Pending1992Summer Olympics Barcelona Men's Water Polo. 5th place.
Beginnings
Ray ‘Joycey' was born and educated in the district, residing in Hudson Parade, Birrong until 1987. He would attend Birrong Primary and Birrong Boys High and was a member of Birrong Swimming Club.
Achievements
Ray held a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) from 1986 to 1988. He won three Australian Championships with Universities (1979, 1981 and 1984), four National League titles with Richmond (1990 to 1993) and nine National Championships. His international playing career has spanned 16 years including captaining Australia on 85 occasions from 1993 to 1996.
Post Representation
Ray continues to contribute to the sport as Head Coach of the Sunshine Coast Water Polo and was added to the AIS Roll of Honour for the Olympics.