- Couple Anneli Maley and Marena Whittle head to the Olympics
- Maley and Whittle play on the Australian 3×3 basketball team.
- Basketball players want to set an example for LGBTQIA+ people struggling to survive
Basketball players Anneli Maley and Marena Whittle are not only hoping to win gold together for Australia at the Paris Olympics, but are also looking to inspire those in the LGBTQIA+ community who are struggling with their identities.
Maley and Whittle play together on Australia’s 3×3 basketball team and are preparing for the Paris Games later this month.
The proud same-sex couple are determined to stand on the podium together, but they also want to raise the flag for people in their community who are confused about their identities.
“It’s about creating something that’s normal and has visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community,” Maley said. News Corporation.
‘Obviously it’s about basketball, but how cool is it that we can be that example for younger boys and girls who will be able to see that representation on an Olympic stage.
‘Some young people may be afraid to say anything (about their sexuality), so we hope that seeing us at the Olympics can reassure them and help them in some way.’
Maley and Whittle are also excited to compete in Paris, a city they have both long admired.
“I can go to the Olympics with my person,” Maley said of Whittle.
Proud couple Anneli Maley (right) and Marena Whittle head to the Paris Olympics
Basketball players hope to inspire those struggling with their identities.
‘Not only do I get to see all the hard work I’ve put in, but I’ve also seen all the work Marena has put in behind the scenes and it’s pretty amazing.
“It’s an achievement to have gone to the Olympics with my partner. It’s something we’ll talk about at the wedding and for years to come when we’re older and grey.”
The Australian women’s 3×3 basketball team won the FIBA Asia Cup title in early 2024 and will become the first Australian 3×3 team to compete at the Olympic Games.
The team is currently ranked 29th in the world and has been in great form, with a recent win over China.
Maley believes the Australian team can reach the podium in Paris.
“We have to be confident,” he said.
Maley says she will talk about going to the Olympics with her life partner for years.
‘One of the most important things when playing 3v3 is self-confidence.
‘It’s a 10-minute game, so there’s no room for you to question anything.
“It’s a race to 21st place, but I think as a group we’ve done very well.”
In 2023, the couple spoke about the inconveniences of living apart while playing for different national teams.
“The most important thing was that we first established our own careers and then we’ll get together at some point in the future,” Maley told The West Australian’s The Dribble Podcast.
“But there’s no pressure to do it. We don’t have to do it. If it happens, it will happen.
“I would love to play on the same team as her because we play together in the Australian 3v3 team and we are unstoppable in that space.”