FIGHTING FIT FOR Tokyo By Melissa McCullough Photos Damien Wyer & Supplied
C
aitlin Parker, a Dromana boxer, has been chosen to represent Australia at the now-2021 Tokyo Olympics. She was just 13 years of age when she had her first ring experience against a 25-year-old opponent in a bout in Western Australia. She had only two years’ boxing experience in the lead up to this first match.
“I was always big for my age, but it must have been a shock for her to see how young I was,” she says, laughing. “I think I stopped growing at 13.” Although there was no “winner” in that exhibition bout, Caitlin felt right at home and took to the sport with gusto. Continued next page...
E ssence
26 | PENINSULA
January 2021