Gilly all ears to help boxer's Olympic bid

When Caitlin Parker found out she'd been selected for a prestigious sporting scholarship, she admits with a laugh that her dad might have been a tad more excited than she was.

As part of the program with Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Parker was to be given a mentor and hers would be Adam Gilchrist, the legendary Australian cricketer.

The scholarship was a dream for the 18-year-old from Gosnells, who is fast becoming one of the country's finest female boxers after winning bronze at the Nanjing Youth Olympics in China this year.

With characteristic good humour, Gilchrist said he would "literally be all ears" if Parker called needing advice or someone to talk to.

"Often we get mentors and teachers and coaches and it's asked 'what are you going to say to someone'," he said.

"Often it's probably better to listen. I'm no boxing expert so I certainly won't be giving tips in that regard.

"If there are experiences I can pass on that Caitlin feels might be of interest I'll try and pass on some information, but other than that I'll be happy just to listen and learn."

At a ceremony to be held in Melbourne next Thursday, Parker's scholarship award will be announced along with the four other young athletes lucky enough to have received one.

Parker, who has the 2016 Rio Olympics in her sights, said she was looking forward to having someone of Gilchrist's calibre in her corner.

"I think having someone like that to talk to will be quite inspiring and motivating," she said.