Caitlin Parker is guaranteed Australia’s first Olympic medal in women’s boxing after a convincing quarter-final win.
The 75kg fight was a clear winner against Morocco’s Khadija Mardi, despite a 4-1 split decision in Paris on Sunday.
There are no bronze medal matches at the Olympics, meaning Parker will walk away with a medal even if she loses her semi-final against China’s Li Qian at Roland Garros next Thursday.
Only six Australians have ever won Olympic boxing medals, with Harry Garside’s win in Tokyo three years ago breaking a 33-year drought.
Australia now have two live chances after Charlie Senior (57kg) swept the semi-finals on Saturday.
“It’s amazing! I’m so excited,” Parker told Nine News afterwards.
‘I tried to go to the Olympics in Rio. I was young and I didn’t make it. I went to Tokyo and fulfilled my childhood dream.
‘When I went out in the first round, I was absolutely devastated.
‘I now know I can show the world, show Australia what I’m capable of and do it all for my family, my friends and my fans back home.
I’ve had a lot of support this time, it’s been amazing.
Three judges gave all three rounds to Australian boxing captain Parker, who set the tone with a ferocious right hook that connected in the first round.
The Tokyo Olympian followed up with a left hook and two left jabs in the second round to leave her opponent needing a late-round stoppage to steal the victory that never seemed likely.
Women’s boxing has only been part of the Olympic programme since 2012, and Parker is the first Australian woman to compete at two Games.
