The 3x3 women’s ‘Gangurrus’ have locked Australia’s first-ever appearance at the Olympics with a spot in Paris.
Defeating Canada in the final game of the FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2 2024, Australia claimed the win 19-16 in an intense clash.
?? Australia are going to the Paris 2024 Olympics! ???#3x3OQT | @BasketballAus pic.twitter.com/CKuPDCu0Eo
The game turned in Australia’s favour when Marena Whittle hit a corner two to push the lead to 11-9, she finished with an equal game-high of eight points alongside Ally Wilson.
“I’m so, so proud of us. As a group, we work so hard,” Anneli Maley said post-game.
“This was our only shot, we don’t get to go on the tours, we don’t get to do any of that stuff. To come out here and play the way we did, I’m so, so proud.
I just want to give a huge shot out to our extended squad back home, Lara (McSpadden) Miela (Goodchild), Emma (Clarke). We couldn’t do this crap without you… I love you guys so much, that means so much. We are going to the Olympics!”
All four of the Gangurrus will continue their seasons in the Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 before they head off to represent Australia in Paris. See their teams below:
Lauren Mansfield: North Adelaide Rockets
Anneli Maley: Perth Redbacks
Marena Whittle: Warwick Senators
Alex Wilson: Bendigo Braves
Extended squad
Lara McSpadden: Rockhampton Cyclones
Miela Goodchild: North Gold Coast Seahawks
Emma Clarke: Joondalup Wolves
