Dromana’s Caitlin Parker is the only Australian boxer to win at both youth and junior world championship level. Now she’s chasing an Olympic first.
A Mornington boxer chasing Olympic glory is aiming to be Australia’s first female medallist in the sport.
Dromana’s Caitlin Parker, 25, is one of six Australian boxers heading to the Tokyo Olympics and is eyeing gold in the middleweight category.
“It feels so incredible to reach my childhood dream and the pinnacle of world sport,” Ms Parker said.
“To be at Olympic level feels surreal. I am doing everything to make sure I come home with my best possible result and I’m hoping that will be an Olympic gold medal.”
Parker got into the sport at age 11, prompted by her dad who wanted his daughter to be able to defend herself.
Since then, she has won silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and is the only Australian boxer to win at both the youth and junior world championship level.
During 2020, Victoria’s strict second lockdown posed a great challenge to her intense training regimen, forcing the seven time Australian champion to train alone at home.
“It was frustrating, I couldn’t find gym equipment – everywhere was sold out,” she said.
“I managed to borrow a few dumbbells from my coach, it was still quite tough. It was hard to be motivated.”
After two months under tight stage four restrictions, an opportunity to fly to Darwin and quarantine in Howard Springs presented itself.
With less than a day’s notice to pack her bags indefinitely, it was a no-brainer.
“We have to learn to be adaptable and flexible to these situations as athletes, sport can be ever changing,” she said.
“I tell myself, it’s not just me going through this — I’m not at a disadvantage. We are in a very fortunate position in Australia where we can train properly, have sparring partners without masks and restrictions. I am super grateful for that.”
Born in Perth, Parker relocated to Melbourne to advance her career, saying goodbye to her family who until recently she had not seen for two years.
With international spectators banned from the games, they will be proudly watching on from home.
Parker says the games will be like no other, but she is ready.
“I’m expecting to be in my room most of the time, except for training, food and competition,” she said.
But for the biggest event of her life, it is a small sacrifice.
“As much as I would love to have the full Olympic experience, as long as I get in the ring and I’m there, that is all that matters,” she said.
“I’m in the best shape of my life, feeling super sharp, fit and lean – I can’t wait to get out there.”
brianna.travers@news.com.au