Caitlin Parker is guaranteed Australia’s first Olympic medal in women’s boxing after a dominating quarter-final win.
The 75kg chance was the clear victor against Moroccan Khadija Mardi, despite a 4-1 split decision in Paris on Sunday.
There are no bronze medal fights at the Olympics, which means that Parker will leave with a medal even if she loses her semi-final against China’s Li Qian at Roland Garros this Thursday.
Only six Australians have won Olympic boxing medals, Harry Garside’s in Tokyo three years ago snapping a 33-year drought.
Parker is also the first Aussie female boxer to compete at two Olympics after finishing ninth in Tokyo three years ago.
‘That is friggin’ amazing! I’m so stoked,’ she told Channel Nine afterwards.
‘I tried to go to the Rio Olympics. I was young didn’t quite make it. I went to Tokyo, achieved my childhood dream.
Aussie boxer Caitlin Parker is guaranteed a medal, even if she loses her semi-final
The Aussie (in red) dominated in against Moroccan Khadija Mardi in Sunday’s quarter final
‘Getting out in the first round there, I was absolutely shattered.
‘Now I know I can show the world, show Australia what I’m capable of and do it all for my family, friends an supporters back home.
‘I’ve had so much support this time around, it’s been incredible.
Three judges handed all three rounds to Australian boxing captain Parker, who set the tone with a fierce overhand right that connected in the first round.
She followed that up with a left hook and two left jabs in the second round to leave her opponent needing a final-round stoppage to steal the win that never looked likely.
Right now I’m going to hug my family and friends,’ Parker said.
Australian boxer Caitlin Parker embraces her coaches after making Australian history in her quarter-final win
Caitlin Parker was also the first female Aussie boxer to compete at two Olympics
‘After that, straight back to my next opponent.
‘I will put everything out there. Literally every final for me is the Olympic gold medal round.’
‘I just hope that I can be a role model and show women, show girls that they’re capable of anything they put their mind to.
‘You are always capable of amazing things.’
She had this inspirational message for fans watching back home in Australia.
‘Take every experience that you get. Whatever someone tells you, write it down, put it in the toolbox and try to bring it out,’ she said.
‘Practise, practise, practise, work hard.
‘If you lose, if you fail, keep going. Keep going. The bottom of one mountain is the top of the next.’
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