Caitlin Parker secured Australia’s first Olympic medal in women’s boxing after a convincing quarter-final victory.
The 75kg contender was the clear winner against Morocco’s Khadija Mardi, despite a 4-1 split decision in Paris on Sunday.
There are no bronze medal fights at the Olympics, meaning Parker will take home a medal even if she loses her semi-final against China’s Li Qian at Roland Garros next Thursday.
Only six Australians have won an Olympic boxing medal. Three years ago in Tokyo, Harry Garside ended a 33-year drought.
None of them have won gold, but Australia now have two real chances after Charlie Senior (57kg) reached the semi-finals on Saturday.
Three judges gave all three rounds to Australian boxing captain Parker, who set the tone with a fierce overhand right that connected in the first round.
The Tokyo Olympian followed that up with a left hook and two left jabs in the second round, leaving her opponent needing a final round to steal the victory that never seemed likely.
Women’s boxing has only been on the Olympic programme since 2012. Parker was the first Australian woman to compete in two Games.