Caitlin
Parker

Caitlin Parker began boxing at the early age of 11, thanking her Dad for getting her into combat sports as he refused to let her walk to school by herself until she earned a black belt in Taekwondo.

Due to the lack of female competition being in a male-dominated sport, from a young age, she was challenged to spar against men. It was a tough way to learn but it gave her the courage and determination to achieve.

Boxing is one of the oldest Olympic sports, but women’s boxing was only included in 2012. Her sights were set, she knew that she wanted to represent Australia on the world’s biggest stage and create history by being the first Australian female to medal in boxing.

Caitlin has now medaled at every major competition including World Championship medals at Junior, Youth and Elite level, two Commonwealth Games medals, a Youth Olympic Games medal and is now a 2024 Olympic medalist.

Caitlin is an AIS and Black Dog Mental Fitness Ambassador, is on the Athlete Advisory committees for World Boxing and Combat Australia and is an ambassador and works with a disability support service when she is able to between competitions. Caitlin has had a mentor relationship throughout her career with Australian Cricketing legend Adam Gilchrist.

Having travelled all over the world on the Australian team for 13 years, and now Australian boxing Captain, Caitlin offers a unique perspective on how to build a supportive team atmosphere to bring out the best performance for all in a very individualised sport.

She wants to prove that anyone is capable of amazing things. She wants her journey to inspire others and show them that whatever you set your mind to; if you set goals, work hard and are accountable, then you will achieve it.