She has returned home and taken time out to answer our questions.

Describe what the IOC award was for and your reaction:
I am the Oceania winner of the IOC's Women and Sport Award. I was very suprised as I didn't know I had been nominated. Once I found out what the award was for I felt extremely honoured just to be nominated, to win was an amazing and humbling experience. To be honest it's difficult to express how I feel.
 
It is your second major award in a year. Please explain:
I was selected to be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame which will take place in July in Malaga (in conjuction with the European Championships). This is a huge honour as I am the first female water polo player and the first Australian water polo player to be inducted.

We believe another Australian legend will also be honoured in the USA:
Yes, Shelley Taylor-Smith is also being inducted. Her induction will take place during the USA Olympic swimming trials. We trained together years ago, although she was doing millions of 400s and I was in the 'sprint' lane. We still swim together but we are far slower and it's all about the coffee afterwards.
 
What other awards have you received in your water polo career?
Inducted into the Sports Australia Hall of Fame 2006
Inducted into the NSW Hall of Champions 2007
Announced as 2008 Inductee International Swimming Hall of Fame
International Women’s Water Polo Player of the year (1993)
The winner of the Oceania division of the 2008 IOC’s Women and Sport Award
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (2000)
Awarded The Harry Quittner Medal for outstanding achievements in water polo.
The Prime Ministerial Award For Outstanding Achievements to Australian Water Polo (1992).
Awarded Citizen of the Year, Manly Council (2001)
Australia Day Ambassador 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Nominated 8 times for NSW Sports Women of the Year Award.
Debbie was a member of the Australian Womens Water Polo Team that were finalist in the NSW Sports Person of the Year Awards (1986).

How do you see these awards impacting on the sport in this country?
I hope that it shows people that if you work hard, anything is possible. I 'm sure there were far more 'talented' people than me playing water polo but as Mini used to say it's all about determination, dedication and discipline and my add on, desire. It is fantasic that water polo is getting the recognition it deserves. This is such a great game and to see it recognised on these levels is brilliant.

What does Debbie Watson do in water polo nowadays?
I'm disappointed to say not a great deal. I was coaching the senior athletes at NSWIS and assisting with the 2004 preparations but unfortunaely that ended. I still 'coach' at the school level and I do a little bit of school rep coaching, but mainly I watch my two neices play. I really enjoy coaching and maybe one day an opportunity will come again.
I also commentated for Channel 7 for the 2004 Games and I will also be in Beijing.

How have you seen water polo change since your heyday?
It's rougher!  There have been quite a few rule changes. I played back in the three fouls and you're out days, as well as playing with the men's ball. Thankfully I finished playing before they lengthend the girls' pool to 30m. Some of the changes have seen the game become much more physical. Another major change is the age groups, I've got kids from my school playing from 5th grade — back in the 'old' days we didn't start playing until we were about 15.  The rules may have changed, but the basics are still the same.
 
What do you think the women's world game needs?
Faster fouls on the outside of the pool and allowing the CF the opportunity to score skillful goals. Today's game is very heavy and at times looks more like a wrestling match. I'm all for a fast, crisp game of polo that allows the more skilled players the opportunity to score spectacular goals. I am not a fan of the heavy/wrestling game of today and would welcome a return of fast, skilful, tactical games. n saying this, I am definitely not saying the players of today are less skilful, I just would like to see more of their skills score goals rather than the holding game being rewarded. 
 
What is happening in your work life?
After leaving NSWIS (2004) I ventured back into the teaching game. I have been working full time at St Luke's Grammar School in Dee Why as a PD/H/PE teacher. I currently teach from year 6 - year 12. I also present the Live Clean, Play Clean Drug Education Program for the AOC. In the next few weeks I'll be working for ABC Radio doing a couple of Grandstand segments where we just talk sport.
 
How is married life treating you?
Married life is great, when we're not working Dave and I spend a lot of time at the beach. He's got me (attempting to) surfing on the pink pontoon (8"6' mal), which I have trouble getting out the back as my muscles have all but disappeared. We've just bought a house in Nth Curl Curl and even though we've been here since April 07 we're still unpacking!

Are you competing at the FINA World Masters in Perth next month?
Unfortunately I'm not. I've got a couple of trips overseas this year so it is very difficult to get 'more' time off work. I'm not so worried about missing out on the playing but I will definitely miss out on the catch up.

Do you keep in touch with your fellow Olympians?
Not as much as I would like to. They are such an important part of my life as are all of my 'old' team mates. We had a brilliant reunion in 2004 and hopefully the next one isn't too far away. It's amazing how even though we don't regularly see each other you sort of know what's going on with everyone.  I see some at polo, some are good on the email  and some on facebook, there's always a wedding to catch up at and at times we even resort to the phone! I do miss my teamies :-)
 
What is your prediction for the three medallists in Beijing this year?
Australia, Australia, Australia!
If others have to share in the fun.... 1st Australia, 2nd USA, 3rd Netherlands