Caitlin Parker to become the first Australian woman to win an Olympic boxing medal
Wonder woman Caitlin Parker has sensationally beaten the reigning heavyweight world champion to become the first female boxer in Australia’s 100-year Olympic history to win a medal.
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It was the skipper’s knock of the century.
Wonder woman Caitlin Parker has sensationally beaten the reigning heavyweight world champion to become the first female boxer in Australia’s 100-year Olympic history to win a medal.
Steeled by her tears from Tokyo, Aussie captain Parker stunned the boxing world, sending monster Moroccan Khadija Mardi crashing out in the quarter finals with the boilover of the Paris Games.
Mardi was the reigning world championship gold medallist. Perth powerhouse Parker was a massive underdog.
But the 28-year-old showed skill, boxing IQ and composure under pressure to win all three rounds in a magnificent masterclass that sealed at least bronze in the 75kg class.
When Parker’s arms were raised, she was immortalised at North Paris Arena.
The Subiaco sensation sealed Australia’s seventh boxing medal in Olympic competition. No Aussie female boxer had ever tasted medal success in 100 years of the Games ... until now.
“Oh my god,” a beaming Parker roared, shaking her head in shock.
“I’ve got every emotion going through me right now.
“I can’t wait to call mum and dad and scream to them on the phone.
“It’s the biggest relief. I’ve done it.
“I’ve finally secured an Olympic medal and the first female from Australia to win an Olympic medal feels incredible.
“History has been made.”
Wait. The fairytale has another romantic chapter. Parker’s semi-final bout against China’s No.1 seed Qian Li is at the hallowed Roland Garros on Friday (6am, AEST).
The titans of tennis have traded blows there. Federer. Nadal. Djokovic.
Now Parker is primed to punch her way to glory as the famous Roland Garros clay becomes a boxing canvas.
To borrow a mantra from Test cricket legend Steve Waugh, Parker, a mad cricket fan, isn’t satisfied yet. Bronze is good. But gold is true greatness and after mauling Mardi, Parker has every reason to go for gold.
“I can’t believe I’m fighting at Roland Garros,” said Parker, who won silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and bronze at Birmingham.
“That’s history in itself. That’s amazing. I feel great.
“I’ve always known and always believed that I can win the gold.
“She was a huge opponent. Her size was incredible, but I know what I’m capable of.
“I know I’m a sharp boxer and I’m smart and I know I can do it.
“I know what to expect on the big stage. You always get nervous but I feel alive. The ring is where I feel most alive and ready.
“I’m going to do whatever it takes to win that gold medal.
Australia came into this Olympics with a record team of 12. Two boxers, Parker and Charlie Senior, are left celebrating a 64-year legacy.
Not since the 1960 Rome Olympics, when Oliver Taylor and Anthony Madigan claimed bronze, has Australia won two boxing medals at a Games.
“I was in absolute bloody tears yesterday when Charlie came back to the Olympic village and we just cried with each other,” she said.
“We can both win again ... we’re going to make history together.”
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Originally published as Caitlin Parker to become the first Australian woman to win an Olympic boxing medal
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