Jessica Fox Pitch Perfect in Gold Medal Triumph

Reigning Olympic champion – and proud New South Wales Institute of Sport athlete – Jessica Fox stamped her authority on the Women’s Canoe field in Augsburg, Germany, claiming gold at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup in a phenomenal performance.

Having finished qualifying in second place on Friday, Fox went into the final as the fastest qualifier, completing the semi final course a second and a half clear of her nearest rival.

Going last in the final, Fox produced a near-perfect run, attracting no penalties and finishing 6.51s ahead of France’s Angele Hug while Germany’s local favourite – and Kayak gold medallist from Friday – Elena Lilik picked up bronze more than half a second further back.

Having missed a gate in the kayak semi finals on Friday – which denied her the opportunity to race for gold – Fox showed her ability to regroup was never in doubt and put her competitors on notice for the remainder of the season.

“It was a tough day on the water yesterday in the kayak and I was really frustrated, so I just wanted to come back today and put down some good paddling,” Fox said.

“The first step was making that final, so there was relief there, but then in the final, last to start, and putting out a really good run, I was so happy. It was a really tricky course from start to finish.

“It’s always nice to start well. It is a long season, so hopefully we can keep building throughout the season. I’m really pleased to start off well in C1, hopefully next weekend will be better in the kayak as well.”

Noemie Fox finished 28th in the women’s canoe semi while in the men’s Tristan Carter was 29th, with neither progressing to the final.

Brett Moore, Paddle Australia