A four-time Olympian who is 22 years older than her partner is tired of people constantly assuming they are mother and daughter.
Rennae Stubbs – also known for coaching Serena Williams and being an ESPN analyst – is opening up about her private life in an effort to tackle the stigma around age-gap relationships. The 52-year-old first met her partner, Eden Bruce, 30, when they both worked in tennis, five years ago.
The pair have a happy relationship but are fed up with people’s “uncomfortable” assumptions about their union. Eden – head coach of AFL women’s outfit the Ipswich Eagles – told What’s The Jam: “The most uncomfortable assumption people make about us is that we are ‘mother/daughter’. Until my appearance catches up with my age, I guess that will continue to happen.”
Rennae, who lives in New York City, said: “Eden is so mature and has always been mature for her age over the years, so it has never been a worry for me.”
When asked what drew her to Eden, the tennis star added: “Eden’s kindness, not just to me but everyone she meets. She’s so easy to get along with.”
The couple receive the occasional hate comment online but say the biggest issues happen in person, from awkward head turns to unwanted comments from passers-by. Eden said: “We know the world will never understand, but we’re an ordinary couple.
“Two consenting adults who just happen to have a lot in common despite the age difference. Although age is not our defining relationship quality. We’ve learnt to roll with the punches and laugh when we can. Because, truthfully, without humour to get us through these awkward interactions, we would’ve split up years ago.”
