More than two decades ago, sisters Jessica and Noemie Fox sat on the hillside of the Penrith Whitewater Stadium, ice creams in hand and Susie O'Neill dolls in tow. Now, they are just months away from competing for world championship gold at the very same venue, a testament to their enduring dedication.
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03-16, 2025Penrith Whitewater Stadium is where the sisters learned how to navigate the rapids and where they were inspired after watching Australian athletes win gold medals. They hope to continue drawing attention to the sport, fostering the next generation of athletes. This September, the two Olympic gold medalists will show the world their second home, showcasing the stadium's world-class facilities.
The World Championships are the first step towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the sisters aim to repeat their feat from last year's Paris Olympics by winning gold in both the kayak and canoe slalom events in Los Angeles. The canoe slalom event will not be held in California but at an existing site in Oklahoma City, which will also host next year's World Championships, ensuring continued competition opportunities.
“The LA cycle has started – year one (this year) is a really important benchmark, and next year we head to the LA venue in Oklahoma,” said three-time Olympic gold medalist Jessica. “Then it’s 2027, the Olympic qualifying year, so it comes around really quickly, and every year counts. Seeing that it’s 200 days to go to the World Championships feels very real. Last time we were counting down for the Olympics. You can feel that excitement, that pressure, and the intensity starting to build.”
Since the Paris Olympics, the Fox sisters have been on a whirlwind journey, winning the hearts of the Australian people and claiming one-sixth of the gold medals. Both Noemie and Jessica credit their father, Richard Fox, a ten-time world champion, as one of the reasons why Australia has a kayaking culture. Fox senior heavily lobbied to keep kayaking in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and raised funds for the construction of the Penrith Whitewater Stadium, leaving a lasting legacy for the sport.
Noemie stated that representing Australia at a home World Championships is very significant for her family. “We have a deep connection to this venue. To have a home World Championships is very unique and special,” said the 27-year-old, who made her Olympic debut in Paris. “We live at this venue, we grew up at this venue, this is where I learned to paddle, and now I’m an Olympic champion.”
Jessica also added that she remembers the atmosphere at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, even though she was only five years old, and how electric it was when the crowd cheered for her idol, Robin Bell. “I remember the crowds, and how big and incredible it was,” she said. “In 2005, I started paddling. Seeing Robin Bell win gold was an inspiring moment for us, and 20 years later, we have the chance to do that too, and all the past athletes will be there, which will be very exciting.”
