Thornlie Senior High School (TSHS) rolled out the red-carpet last week for former student Caitlin Parker, Australia’s first female boxer to win an Olympic medal, as she returned to her old high school to a hero’s welcome.
As the school’s Head Girl in 2013, Parker was thrilled to return to her old stomping ground, mingling with students, staff, and the Mayor of Gosnells while sharing tales of her Olympic adventures in Paris.
A question-and-answer session for the entire school was held, hosted by student House Captains, where Parker answered questions about her time at Thornlie SHS, her boxing career, and her Olympic journey so far.
“The questions sent in by our students were very impressive, and it is no surprise that Caitlin captivated her audience with inspiring and relatable responses,” a school spokesperson said online.
“Thank you for being so generous with your time, Caitlin. Our school and wider community loved spending time with you.”
Parker’s impressive career includes a silver medal in the middleweight event at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, a bronze at the 2022 Birmingham Games, silver at the 2023 World Championships, gold at the Pacific Games, and most recently, a record-breaking bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
During the early stages of her boxing career, Caitlin received support through the City of Gosnells Competition Sponsorship funding program, which assisted her to travel and compete in boxing competitions.
Raised in Gosnells, Caitlin attended Wirrabirra Primary School and Thornlie Senior High School, where she has since become an inspiration to other students and now the wider community, as highlighted by City of Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes.
“As a local girl from Gosnells, Caitlin has done the City of Gosnells community proud,” Mayor Lynes, who is also the Community Chairperson on the School’s Board, said.
“It was fantastic to see Caitlin back on home turf and hear all about her Olympic achievement in Paris.”
