Paddler Jess Fox successfully defended her Olympic canoeing title at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium during a nail-biting final, securing her second gold medal in Paris and solidifying her status as one of Australia’s top athletes.
In the final, Fox descended into the water second to last in a blistering 99 seconds, incurring just one penalty, which was given amid tense moments as final competitor Gabriela Satková navigated the course.
However, the Czech athlete incurred an early penalty and seemed to lag behind, allowing Fox to revel in her victory from the banks while embracing silver medalist Elena Lilik from Germany.
At 30 years old, Fox is the first Australian to earn six individual Olympic medals, surpassing famous sports figures like Ian Thorpe, Leisel Jones, Shirley Strickland, and Anna Meares, who each have five.
Additionally, she becomes only the eighth Australian athlete to win three individual gold medals across any sport, joining the ranks of Ian Thorpe, Dawn Fraser, Shane Gould, Betty Cuthbert, Murray Rose, Ariarne Titmus, and Kaylee McKeown.
She achieved this feat with an impressive performance, completing the course four and a half seconds ahead of any other competitor, reduced to two after a slight penalty for grazing gate 19.
In her final strokes, Fox powered through, shouting and splashing the water as she crossed the finish line, well aware that her time would be tough to beat.
The cheering crowd echoed her anticipation, erupting in applause for the Marseille-born athlete and Australian flag bearer. Fox acknowledged their support by forming a heart shape with her hands and saluting the audience.
Her victory marks the first instance where any paddler, male or female, has secured both canoe and kayak events at the same Olympics. The Australian is still in the running for three gold medals in Paris, with the kayak cross event scheduled for August 5.
More to follow.
