Veteran Australian canoeist Jessica Fox has seen immense success in her sport, especially at Olympic level.
At the 2024 Olympic Games, the 30-year-old successfully defended her gold medal at her fourth Olympic games – but she’s not the only member of her family who headed to Paris. Her sister Noemie also made her Olympic debut in the same sport.
Jess Fox is widely regarded as the greatest individual paddler of all time, having won four Olympic medals and being named world champion eight times.
At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Jess defended her title in the C1 canoe slalom event as well claimed her elusive gold medal in the K1 event, but she also competed against her younger sister Noemie Fox.
The canoe slalom genes certainly run in the family, as both the girls’ parents as well as their aunt were also Olympians, competing in the same sport.
Their father, Richard Fox, competed for Great Britain at the 1992 Olympics and was also a five-time world champion.
Meanwhile, their mother Myriam Fox-Jerusalmi competed for France at the 1996 event, where she won a bronze medal.
Noemie made her Olympic debut in kayak cross, which is a new event that was introduced in Paris. She had an incredible run, and claimed gold in the event!
The 27-year-old was selected for the team after she won a silver medal at the Global Qualification event in Prague in June, and met the quota for Australia.
Jess was also eligible for the kayak cross event, and the sisters actually competed against each other in the same event!
While Jess didn’t progress past the quarterfinals, she was more than happy to shift her role into that of the supportive sister.
Noemie spoke about the milestone moment in attending her first Olympics, sharing that she still finds it hard to “find the right words to describe how special this feels.”
“For so long the Olympics felt very unattainable as we only have one spot per category in our sport and well – the Greatest of All Time has been a bit of a barrier to entry!
“I’m so honoured, proud and grateful to be joining my teammates Tim Anderson, Tristan Carter and my sister Jess Fox on the Australian Olympic Team,” she added.
“I’m now the final piece of the puzzle joining my family of Olympians! The Olympic Spirit is something that has been ingrained in my upbringing since the start – growing up in the aftermath of the Sydney 2000 Olympics idolising Ian Thorpe, Susie O’Neil and Cathy Freeman.”
Speaking on Noemie’s introduction to the team, Chef de Mission for the 2024 Australian Olympic Team Anna Meares said, “I’m thrilled to announce Noemie on the Australian Olympic Team for Paris.”
The former Olympic cyclist added, “I know how much this moment means to Noemie and the entire Fox family.
“While I know the Fox family is rich with Olympic representation and achievement, Noemie’s selection and achievements are exemplary in their own right. Her grit, determination and poise allows her to stand tall and proud in herself as an individual as well as within the sport and family.
“This selection is hard fought and extremely well earned. I’m proud to welcome her officially to the team for Paris and to being an Australian Olympian for life!”
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