There have been many memorable moments in a sensational International Canoe Federation season. In the second of our moments of 2024, we look back at when Jessica Fox solidified her legendary status in the sport with a canoe-kayak double at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Expectations could not have been any higher when Jessica Fox waited at the top of the course for her run in the women’s canoe final.
Having carried Australia’s flag along with hockey player Eddie Ockenden at the Opening Ceremony, the nation expected.
Having won the first-ever women’s canoe title in Tokyo and been dominant in the event on the international circuit, the world expected.
This kind of intense pressure could have proved too much for some, but Fox is a serial winner and knows how to deliver in the heat of battle.
Fox had already picked up one gold in Paris following her amazing showing in the women’s kayak final just three days before.
But this was an opportunity to make history and solidify her place in slalom’s pantheon of Olympic greats.
With Germany’s Elena Lilik setting a time of 103.54 to beat, Fox came surging out of the traps.
Despite an early gate touch, Fox produced a magnificent performance as she powered across the finish line in a raw time of 99.06.
Czechia’s Gabriela Satkova – who is the only person to beat Fox this season – was the last to go but was unable to get in amongst the medals as her Australian rival celebrated a stunning victory.
“To be able to stay composed is the coolest feeling as an athlete,” said Fox.
“When you have worked so hard as an athlete in training, to be able to pull it off when it matters is what we all work towards.
“The fact that I did it twice is a credit to the hard work that we have put in.”
Not only did Fox become the first woman to win the canoe-kayak double at the Games but also became the most successful slalom paddler in Olympic history.
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It was her third individual Olympic gold to match France’s Tony Estanguet but no paddler has more slalom medals at the Games than Fox.
She now sits on six Olympic medals, moving one ahead of Slovakian great Michal Martikan.
“I have never thought about those records,” said Fox.
“They have never felt attainable or even something that I could possibly dream about it.
“Each Olympic experience has been very different, some have been brilliant and others have been a bit disappointing.
“This is just magical.
“I’m also very proud to be doing it as a woman.”
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