In the last of our big interviews with the 2024 International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup Series winners, we spoke to women’s overall canoe champion Jessica Fox of Australia.
Olympic champion, International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission member and ramp walk model: What's the common thread among these three roles?
Before Paris 2024, Canoe Slalom fans would have placed Jessica Fox in the first two categories.
But since the Olympic Games in France, the Australian's life has been nothing short of extraordinary, just like it was during and before the biggest sporting event in the world.
By winning both the canoe and kayak events in Paris, the 30-year-old became the most successful Canoe Slalom paddler in Olympic history. As congratulations poured in from all corners of the globe, Fox found herself stepping outside her comfort zone as a model last month.
At the Walk Your Worth Runway, Fox was the perfect role model to inspire and empower women athletes.
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“Now is the time post-Olympic Games to try different things and make the most of the opportunities. I've been enjoying working with TV and brand partners. It's been great to have a break and dabble in other areas,” Fox said.
“I walked the L’Oréal Paris runway with other incredible women in Sydney which was so much fun.
“I've been working with TV on the Today Show in the morning and at various events. There's also been a bit on with brand partners and other opportunities — it's been so busy but I'm enjoying it before getting back into pre-season training.”
Post-Olympics was not just about glitz and glamour for Fox. Despite missing the first International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup after the Games, she went on to clinch the overall women's canoe crown.
She won gold in the opener in Augsburg, silver in Prague, gold in Krakow and another title in the final in La Seu, capping off a brilliant season.
Fox made more history in Krakow, where she won all three titles over a single weekend, becoming the first athlete to do so in the ICF World Cup circuit.
| Ranking | Name | Augsburg | Prague | Krakow | Ivrea | La Seu | Points |
| 1 | Jessica Fox (AUS) | 60 | 55 | 60 | 120 | 295 | |
| 2 | Martina Satkova (CZE) | 31 | 38 | 50 | 36 | 76 | 231 |
| 3 | Gabriela Satkova (CZE) | 60 | 60 | 110 | 230 | ||
| 4 | Nele Bayn (GER) | 46 | 40 | 44 | 28 | 48 | 206 |
| 5 | Monica Doria (AND) | 50 | 25 | 32 | 92 | 199 | |
| 6 | Tereza Kneblova (CZE) | 26 | 27 | 36 | 38 | 72 | 199 |
A serial winner, Fox has collected every title there is — often making it look easy. But she insists that finding the hunger and motivation for victory, season after season is far from simple.
“I'm proud when I deliver my best paddling. It's hard to do repeatedly, but to the outsider, it might not seem that way! It's interesting how some people are more surprised when I don't win than when I do — which seems ridiculous given how hard it is to win and the fact it is impossible to control the result,” she said.
“That's why I'm always focused on my paddling and trying to do my best. Sometimes that's the top step, other times it's not and that's ok — that's sport. What counts is the effort and intention I race with, and I'm always proud of that.”
While the focus was on the Olympics this year, Fox, like many others, used the circuit to prepare for the Games.
Speaking about challenging herself and the thrill of being on the start line, she also credited the familiarity of the courses for her success.
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“I've been doing them (World Cups) for almost 15 years now, so I know all the courses we race on, and each venue is different,” Fox said.
“I love coming back each year and it's also great when we get to discover a new venue.
“My favourite place to race is Prague because they know how to put on a great race and the crowd is always incredible.”
Fox’s achievements were also recently recognized when she was named Paddle Australia's Paddler of the Year. But it wasn’t just about her individual accolades — her whole family celebrated together.
The Fox family shared an emotional moment at the Vaires-sur Marne Nautical Stadium after Noemie Fox won kayak cross gold. Their shared victory will remain a cherished memory for both of them.
The family’s impact continues to resonate, as an island at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium, which was built for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and will stage next year’s International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships, was named the “Fox Island”.
Fox’s mother, Myriam, was also recognized as Paddle Australia's Coach of the Year, while her father Richard Fox was elected ICF's Canoe Slalom Committee Chair at the 2024 Congress in Antalya.
With the Canoe Slalom World Championships set to return home, Fox is eager to continue creating a lasting impact.
“It is great to race at home and welcome the world back to Penrith after 20 years,” she continued.
“I was a kid in the stands when the World Championships were here in 2005, so it feels like a full-circle moment.
“The centre island is named after us (even though it's not an island!) and we still call it 'the middle'!
“It's a nice gesture but doesn't really change anything about our day-to-day or the way it feels to race here but we appreciate the recognition.
“It's special to see the impact Noemie and I have had from these Games and hopefully, these World Championships will allow us to engage with the community and get everyone excited about watching some paddling and maybe even having a go!”
