Fox sisters combine in 'dream team' for gold medals at World Championships

Australian canoe slalom star Jess Fox has added another gold medal to her impressive collection, spearheading the women's kayak team to victory at the World Championships in Oklahoma. The triumph came just a day after Fox secured gold in the kayak cross time trial event.

Joining forces with her younger sister Noemie Fox and teammate Kate Eckhardt, the 32-year-old paddler showcased the team's "dream team" synergy. This marks the trio's second world title in the team kayak event, having previously claimed gold in London in 2023. The event, exclusively contested at the world championships, saw the Australian team leverage their experience on the same course slated to host the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Their clinical run put immense pressure on their competitors. Despite being in third place entering the final section of the race, the trio executed a flawless performance through the gates, finishing a mere 0.64 seconds ahead of France and Slovakia. "We've been training so well and supporting each other," Noemie Fox commented. "There was so much trust and support in the lead in, and we felt so good and wanted to do our best out there."

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We're a bit of a dream team. We've been training so well and supporting each other. There was so much trust and support in the lead in, and we felt so good and wanted to do our best out there.

Noemie added, "To share these moments and be so proud of what we've done and to have those moments in an individual sport where we can collectively push each other and celebrate together is so special. It was just so much fun out there and to be rewarded with a gold medal is amazing, and I'm so proud of our double title now."

Jess Fox is also making a strong comeback in individual events as she pursues her 16th world title. She recently underwent surgery to remove a kidney tumor last August. Despite posting the fastest time in the individual kayak race, Fox incurred a two-gate touch penalty, placing her ninth in the semifinals. Eckhardt qualified in 11th and Noemie in 25th. The Australian men's team faced challenges, finishing 18th in their team event due to a significant penalty, though all six paddlers advanced in the individual heats.

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To share these moments and be so proud of what we've done and to have those moments in an individual sport where we can collectively push each other and celebrate together is so special. It was just so much fun out there and to be rewarded with a gold medal is amazing, and I'm so proud of our double title now.