How a shocking anti-gay law stopped one of Australia’s best athletes from wearing the green and gold at the Paris Olympics
- Star cannot represent Australia in Paris due to a court ruling
- His adoptive mother in South Australia is a lesbian
A standout South Australian boxer could have worn the green and gold at the Paris Olympics had it not been for state laws against same-sex couples adopting children before 2017.
Lightweight prodigy Fred Zziwa, 26, has become one of the country’s most feared boxers for his speed and strength, with the Ugandan-born athlete set to showcase his skills at the 2024 Olympics in July.
However, Zziwa’s Australian adoptive mother, Melina Mayne, is a lesbian and legislation in South Australia before 2017 prevented same-sex couples from legally adopting.
Zziwa was forced to apply for a series of temporary visas while living in Victor Harbour, South Australia, and due to the adoption delay, he has been unable to obtain citizenship and qualify for the Paris Games.
Lightweight prodigy Fred Zziwa (left) will not represent Australia in Paris in July due to laws in South Australia that prevented same-sex couples from adopting
Zziwa’s Australian adoptive mother Melina Mayne (pictured together) is a lesbian and could not adopt him due to an archaic law
“That’s the tragedy for him and for Australia: he’s been robbed of his participation in the Olympics,” Mayne said. News Corp.
“If same-sex adoption laws had changed even a year earlier, I would have adopted Fred and he would have had his citizenship and gone to Paris.
“But I’m just so proud of what he was able to achieve despite the challenges; the nutritional problems he had as a child, the educational struggles and the mental hurdles he had to overcome as we fought for visas.”
Zziwa, who has since turned professional, has recorded victories in the amateurs against several active Australian champions in multiple weight classes – a feat rarely seen in the sport.
His biggest problem as a professional is finding someone who wants to step into the ring with him.
Zziwa’s former coach in South Australia, Mark Nethercott, said: “He clearly has more power than anyone in the division in the country.
‘That’s why everyone avoids him.
“He also has a high boxing IQ and can make quick adjustments to read his opponents.”
The formidable lightweight has since had the prospect of winning a world title
Zziwa has since moved to NSW to be trained by top coach Joel Keegan, and now has his sights set on beating the very best in his field.
“I have a dream to become world champion, and I won’t stop until I get there,” he said.
“And one day there will be a statue of me in Victor Harbor. I have already spoken to the municipality about this, you will see that image of me.’