The proud basketball couple aiming to set a powerful precedent for the LGBTQIA+ community

Superstar basketball couple Anneli Maley and Marena Whittle are set to create powerful history on two counts at the Olympics, as the 3x3 ballers make waves on and off the court.

Proud couple Anneli Maley and Marena Whittle aren’t just aiming to reach the Olympic podium in Paris – they’re looking to use their profiles as Australian 3x3 basketball players to set a powerful precedent for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Maley and Whittle are locked in on winning a maiden Olympic medal as partners, but they also see the bigger picture of being a visual presence for gay people or those struggling with their identities.

They understand the internal battle for anyone questioning their sexuality and want to set an example on sport’s biggest stage at the Olympics in Paris.

“It’s about getting to create something that is normal and to have visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community,” Maley told this masthead.

Anneli Maley and Marena Whittle are set to create powerful history on two counts at the Olympics. Picture: Getty Images

“It’s obviously about basketball, but how cool is it that we get to be that example for the younger girls and boys who get to see that representation on an Olympic stage.

“Some young ones may be afraid to stay something (about their sexuality), so hopefully seeing us at the Olympics can put them at ease and help in some way.”

Another one...

Gangurrus 3x3 are on a roll.

Next stop - Ford BALLIN'24 in Melbourne. https://t.co/lja6Lwxny6#WeAreBasketball#3x3WSChengdu#3x3WShttps://t.co/Eq6EBf38sq

— Basketball Australia (@BasketballAus) June 22, 2024

For Maley and Whittle, the prospect of creating history together in Paris, the ‘City of Love’, has the pair beyond excited.

They have long admired the French capital, so it’s a thrill to compete in the Olympic 3x3 basketball event held at the Place de la Concorde, located near some of the city’s most iconic landmarks including the Grand Palais, Champs-Élysées, The Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

“I get to go to the Olympics with my person,” Maley said about Whittle.

“I get to see not only all the hard work that I’ve put in, but I’ve also seen all the work that Marena has put in behind the scenes and it’s pretty amazing.

“An achievement to go to the Olympics with my life partner is pretty cool. It’s something that we’ll get to talk about at the wedding and for years to come when we are grey and old.”

Australia’s preparations for next month’s Games received a big boost recently when the Gangurrus won the 3x3 Women’s Series in China.

Anneli Maley is Paris bound. Picture: Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images

The Aussie women recorded five wins and one loss, including a thrilling 18-17 win over China in the final.

Whittle was named tournament MVP after excelling alongside Maley and fellow Olympic qualifying cast in Ally Wilson and Lauren Mansfield.

The Gangurrus will face China again from 2 -5 July at John Cain Arena as the next stage of their Paris 2024 Olympics preparations.

Winning a medal in Australia’s maiden foray in 3x3 at the Games won’t be easy, but Whittle believes the team possess the close bond to succeed on the world stage.

“We have the chemistry that you need to play well together and overcome anything that happens in the 10 minutes,” Whittle said.

Marena Whittle was named tournament MVP. Picture: Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images

“3x3 is a sprint and a lot of the teams we’ll play against in Paris have been to the Olympics before.

“These girls play year round and they heavily invest in the 3x3 program, so we are coming up against powerhouses, but we’re very confident.”

Australia is one of eight teams to qualify for the women’s 3x3 in Paris alongside the USA, Canada, China, France, Germany, Spain and Azerbaijan.

The Gangurrus have form on their side having won two pre-Olympic events, but the likes of the USA, Canada and host nation France will be hard to beat.

Maley is feeling optimistic about Australia’s chances of reaching the podium in Paris.

“We have to be confident,” she said.

💪 MVP WHITTLE! 🤩

🇦🇺 @marenawhittle was ALL HUSTLE at #3x3WSChengdu! 🔥#3x3WSpic.twitter.com/r3HLYipx93

— FIBA 3x3 Basketball (@FIBA3x3) June 23, 2024

“That’s one of the most important things playing 3x3 is the self-belief.

“It’s a 10 minute game, so there is no room for you to question anything.

“It’s a race to 21, but I think as a group we’ve just performed so well.”

Whittle is also confident in the Gangurrus maintaining their pre-Olympic momentum to shock the world with a strong 3x3 result in Paris.

“3x3 has been around in Australia for a minute and we’ve been competing on the international stage, so to get the ticket to Paris is nothing but absolutely amazing,” she said.

“It’s a childhood goal and hopefully we can get to Paris and make some waves.”

The Gangurrus women take on China at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena from 2pm on Tuesday in their opening Olympic warm-up game.