Parker, who learnt to box under the guidance of Peter “the fox” Wilkinson in Perth, lost on points to Panama’s Atheyna Bylon. 

The 32-year-old policewoman from Panama is a tall rangy southpaw and used her height and reach to hold Parker at bay. There was no doubting Parker’s desire, she kept coming forward, using good head movement to make her opponent miss. 

However, when she did manage to get inside, Bylon wrapped her up regularly and left the Australian frustrated as each round went on, taking the points on all judges’ scorecards. 

By the third round Parker was bleeding from the nose and knew she needed a knockout to win. By that stage she threw caution to the wind and tried desperately to land a telling blow. It was a brave display but not enough to win. 

After the fight Parker was fighting back tears but already casting her mind forward “I’m devastated I really am. I definitely thought I was going to medal and make everyone proud. It’s not going to stop me I think it’s even more motivation if that makes sense to do Australia my family and friends proud.” 

“I’ve got the comm games next year, Paris 2024. This is just a speedbump on the road to success for a me. I’m looking forward to the rest of the team doing well. I still think we can make history and win a couple of medals.”  

Asked it has sunk in that she is an Olympian, Parker again chocked backed tears when she said.  

“I’m so proud to be here for Australia, it’s been everything I’ve dreamed of I’m so proud to call myself an Australian Olympian.”   

“This is not going to stop me I’ve got so much more left in me. I’m motivated, I’m dedicated, I’m driven I’m going to be successful in this sport. I’m going to win a medal in Paris nothing is going to stop me.” 

In the quarter finals, Bylon will fight fellow southpaw, world number one Lauren Price who also won by a unanimous decision.