The Fox sisters, Jessica and Noemie, are set to compete at the ICF Slalom World Championships later this year, hosted in Penrith from 29 September to 4 October, offering them a chance to shine before a supportive home crowd. This event will be aired live by Nine, the official broadcast partner.
The announcement comes just after the sisters brought home Olympic gold medals in canoe slalom at the Paris 2024 Games. Jessica made history by becoming the most successful Olympic paddler, while Noemie triumphed in the inaugural kayak cross event. Jessica expressed her excitement about competing in her local facility, describing it as a “dream.” She fondly recalled their history with the venue, having previously raced there during the 2005 World Championships.
As they prepare for the world championships, Jessica acknowledges the pressure that comes with racing at home but remains optimistic, stating that the motivation to succeed in front of a local audience will drive her training. She hopes the event will inspire more Australians to take up canoeing, particularly after the uptick in interest following their Olympic success.
The championships will feature over 30 hours of coverage on Channel Nine and 9Now, including heats, semi-finals, and finals of each discipline, along with medal presentations. Simon Fordham from Nine’s Wide World of Sports highlighted the excitement surrounding the event, noting that it coincides with NRL grand final week, making it a significant showcase of local talent.
This collaboration between Nine, Paddle Australia, and the International Canoe Federation aims to boost the profile of canoe slalom and support local athletes on their journey towards future competitions, including the 2028 LA Olympics. The sisters are poised to lead this event, capturing the hearts of Australians once more as they compete alongside the world’s best paddlers.