Fox Sisters Progress in Kayak Cross

Jessica Fox has led four Australians into the next round of the Kayak Cross competition as the event made its Olympic debut in Paris.

Having already won two gold medals in Canoe Slalom at these Games, Jessica was back on the water and posted the second fastest time in the women’s time trial with 70.84s.

Her sister, NSWIS athlete Noemie Fox also produced a good run as the eighth fastest in 73.09s as she made her own Olympic debut.

They both progress to Round One at 11.30am AEST where they will be pitted against three other opponents in what promises to be a dramatic race to the finish.

“Today was amazing to see her (Noemie) become an Olympian for the first time and she’s been waiting all week, feeling all the emotions,” Jess said.

“I had to be quite focused because I was only a few minutes after her but I was definitely willing her on and cheering for her.”

Noemie was pleased to get the nerves of her debut out of the way and begin racing.

“At the start of the week and campaign I told myself to live the Olympics and breathe it, but don’t get too emotionally invested but that went out the door straight away,” she said.

“I was very ready to race and itching to get on the start blocks and I feel like I boomed out of the gates.

“Hopefully the extra rest plays to my advantage, but incredible to get that first run out of the way and have margin for error finishing in the top 10 after a shaky, nervous run.”

In the men’s time trial, NSWIS athlete Tim Anderson was 20th in a time of 71.41s and Tristan Carter was 22nd in 72.94S. They will be back in action in Round One at 12.40am AEST.

“I’ve definitely done better runs in training, so I’m a little bit disappointed with myself and some of the moves that I did, but it’s still all to play for so have got that to look forward to,” Tim said.

“That’s one of the reasons I am disappointed, because I hold myself to a higher level and I think I can really push the top guys in this.”

Tristan admitted his run wasn’t perfect but he was confident going into day two of competition.

“On the roll zone I had a little bit of a mix-up and was out of position and a bit wonky, but it was a good run apart from that,” Tristan said.

“I’m not placed too badly, but you’ve got to do the whole run not just 90 per cent of it, so I’m a little bit annoyed but everyone goes through so I’ve still got tomorrow.”

Article courtesy of AOC