Caitlin Parker has secured Australia’s first Olympic medal in women’s boxing following an impressive quarter-final victory.
The 75kg boxer emerged as the clear winner against Moroccan Khadija Mardi, achieving a 4-1 split decision in Paris on Sunday.
With no bronze medal bouts at the Olympics, Parker is assured a medal even if she falls short in her semi-final against China’s Li Qian at Roland Garros next Thursday.
Australia has witnessed only six Olympic boxing medalists, with Harry Garside’s medal in Tokyo three years ago ending a 33-year drought.
Additionally, Australia is seeing two strong contenders after Charlie Senior (57kg) advanced to the semi-finals on Saturday.
“That is friggin’ amazing! I’m so stoked,” Parker expressed to Nine News after her match.
“I aimed for the Rio Olympics but didn’t make it as I was too young. I achieved my childhood dream in Tokyo.
“I was crushed to exit in the first round there. Now, I can finally show the world and my home country what I’m capable of, doing this for my family, friends, and supporters.
I’ve received overwhelming support this time around, which has been incredible.”
Three judges awarded all rounds to Australian boxing leader Parker, who established her dominance early with a powerful overhand right in the first round.
The Olympian from Tokyo followed up with a left hook and two jabs in the second round that left her opponent needing an unlikely stoppage in the final round.
Women’s boxing was only introduced to the Olympic program in 2012, and Parker now holds the distinction of being the first Australian woman to compete in two Olympic Games.
