Three-time Olympic champion Jessica Fox of Australia has withdrawn from the 2025 International Canoe Federation Slalom World Championships set to be held in Penrith from September 29 to October 4.
The 31-year-old missed the final two stops of the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup Series in Tacen and Augsburg after undergoing surgery to remove a tumour from her kidney.
Paddle Australia announced that Fox will focus on her recovery, which is going well, but requires more time as part of that process.
“Jess’ health and recovery are the only things that matter right now, and she has our full support,” Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane said.
“Jess’ courage, resilience, and ability to make sense of life’s most challenging moments with a positive mindset and a splash of humor are some of the things all Australians admire most and are inspired by, and we believe that by prioritising her recovery, there’s a greater chance she’ll be back on the water in the near future.
“While naturally we’re disappointed for Jess and the fans that won’t have the chance to see her compete at the home soil World Championships, she’ll be in amongst her Australian teammates, cheering and supporting them, spending time with international friends, and engaging with the paddle community; so we all look forward to seeing her in Penrith for the event.
“The Slalom World Championships are going to be a must-attend event for fans and sports lovers, with Olympic gold medalist Noemie Fox and fellow Olympians Tim Anderson, Tristan Carter, and Lucien Delfour headlining the Australian team.”
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Fox won two canoe golds at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup Series this season and also took the women’s kayak cross individual title in Prague.
She is also the defending kayak champion from the 2023 World Championships in London, where she also won bronze in the C1 event.
“For the first time in 15 years, I won’t be on the start line at the world championships. Unfortunately, I just won’t be ready in time. I need to put my health and recovery first after surgery,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I’m absolutely devastated to be missing this one - a world championships on my home course where I first watched my heroes at the Sydney Olympics, saw the first Aussie world title by Rob Bell in 2005, the course where I’ve grown up and learnt to paddle, trained every day to be the best.
“A home worlds is a once in a career opportunity, and I was so excited and looking forward to it. Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them, but I’ve learned that while we can’t always control what happens, we can always choose our attitude and perspective. I’m grateful for the resilience that sport has given me.
“Timing is everything. This time, the timing just wasn’t on my side, but you can be sure I’ll be doing my best to be back on the water and come back fit, strong, and healthy when the time is right.
“And for all the love and support coming my way and lifting me up during this time. And to my teammates… go get ‘em.
“Special shout out to the girls Kate and Noemie - We are the reigning world champions in teams, and I’m heartbroken to not be able to defend this one with you but can’t wait to see you shine on the water. It will be a spectacular event. We are so proud to host the world’s best athletes in the next few weeks, and I hope you’ll join me in cheering for our team as they take on the world at home. 29th September - 4th of October at Penrith Whitewater. Get your tickets at sydney2025.com - We want you there!
“I may not be racing, but you can bet I’ll be the best cheerleader I can be.”
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