Paris Olympics: Caitlin Parker wins quarter-final to win first women’s boxing medal for Australia

Caitlin Parker secured Australia’s first Olympic medal in women’s boxing by defeating Moroccan world champion Khadija Mardi in the quarter-finals.

Although the 4-1 split decision win at the Paris Olympics gave Australia its first two boxing medals at the same Olympics in 64 years, the 75kg win was the clear winner.

There is no bronze medal race at the Olympics, which means Parker will walk away with a historic medal even if she loses to China’s Li Qian in the French Open semifinals on Thursday.

“Right now I have mixed emotions,” she said.

“I’m relieved to finally win an Olympic medal. She’s the first Australian woman to win an Olympic medal (in boxing). History has been made.”

Only six Australian athletes have won Olympic boxing medals in history, with Harry Garside breaking Australia’s 33-year medal drought when he won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.

None of the six won gold, but Australia now has two chances to win. Charlie Senior (57kg) advances to the semifinals on Saturday.

On Thursday, Parker will face Uzbekistan’s Abdumalik Khalokov for a spot in the final, just 30 minutes after Parker enters the ring.

All three judges awarded all three rounds to Australian boxing captain Parker, who set the tone for the contest with a fierce right uppercut in the first round.

The 33-year-old mother of three daughters followed up with a left hook and two left jabs in the second round, forcing her taller opponent to stop in the final round to win.

“I couldn’t wait to call my mom and dad and genuinely scream down the phone. It was so shocking,” she said.

“I burst into tears yesterday watching Charlie win our first medal and then he came back to the Olympic Village and we cried together.

“It was just an incredible moment. It was so emotional for me that I felt like I had to give it my all, and I did. I probably won’t sleep tonight, just smiling and looking at the rooftops.”

Women’s boxing has only been an Olympic sport since 2012, and Parker is the first Australian woman to compete in two Olympics.

This year, a record 12 Australian boxers have qualified for the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.

But Parker Sr. and super heavyweight Tremona Tremona Jr. were the only three fighters to advance after their first fight.

American AP Association