Recently, Australian boxer Caitlin Parker created history by becoming the first female boxer to win an Olympic medal for the country. She has credited her success to her mentor, the legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Caitlin Parker won the bronze medal in the women’s middleweight (75kg) event. Although she lost the semifinal against the Chinese star Li Qian, Parker became the first Australian female boxer to win an Olympic medal. 

Adam Gilchrist has been unbelievable for me: Caitlin Parker

Before her semifinal bout, Parker revealed her inspiration. Since 2015, former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist has mentored her after she was awarded a scholarship within the 2015 Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship and Mentoring Program. She opened up about what it meant for her. 

Parker said, according to The Courier Mail, “Adam Gilchrist has been unbelievable for me. He has mentored me since 2015.

“I got a scholarship with the Sports Australia Hall of Fame. I remember applying for it and I thought, ‘There’s no way I’m going to get this’, and then they called up and said you’ve been successful.”

Parker further added that her cricket fan father was excited for her after learning about his mentor. 

Parker added, “They said, ‘So, your mentor is Adam Gilchrist’. I’m like, ‘Oh my god, Gilly’s my mentor’. My dad is a big cricket fan and he was stoked for me.”

We got through so many similar things as athletes: Caitlin Parker on her mentor Adam Gilchrist

Although cricket and boxing are two completely different sports, Parker is thankful for her mentor, who guided her with some valuable insights to become an elite athlete. 

Parker quoted, “You would think boxing and cricket are completely different sports, but he was able to provide me with so much insight into what an elite athlete goes through.

“The different emotions, the different experiences you have. We got through so many similar things as athletes.”

Three-time ODI World Cup winner, Adam Gilchrist, played 96 Tests, 287 ODIs, and 13 T20Is between 1996 and 2008. His aggressive batting and outstanding wicketkeeping skills were a trendsetter for the modern wicketkeepers. 

Parker further added, “Gilly is a legend of Australian sport, he’s done it all so I’ll pick his brain and he’s invited me to his house to meet his family.”