Flying Fox claims dual world titles
OLYMPIC medallist Jessica Fox has become the first athlete to win both the C1 and K1 categories at the same meet of the ICF Junior and Under-23 World Championships, when she blitzed the field at the event in her home town of Penrith on the weekend.
OLYMPIC medallist Jessica Fox has become the first athlete to win both the C1 and K1 categories at the same meet of the ICF Junior and Under-23 World Championships, when she blitzed the field at the event in her home town of Penrith on the weekend.
The 19-year-old continued her remarkable form in the water, picking up gold in the K1, before returning to the dais only 48 hours later to claim her second consecutive C1 title.
“It’s just great. It’s what I really wanted,’’ Fox said after her triumph.
“I think having won the K1, I got some of the nerves out, and for the C1 I just felt like I should enjoy myself and make the most of the home championship.”
Fox made up for the disappointment of missing out on the K1 finals last year, storming into the finals and winning by more than three seconds.
She was even more impressive in the C1 final, crossing the line a staggering 18 seconds faster than the next best competitor.
“This is definitely a really sweet victory, revenge I think for last year,” she said.
“After last year’s disappointment, to win both this year, on my home course with a bit more pres- sure, was awesome.”
The junior star enjoyed a sensational year in 2013, taking out several senior and junior world titles.
With the next season of international competition coming up in a few months, Fox said she will take a lot out of her wins on the weekend.
“The worlds [world championships] are still a fair way off, but this is definitely a confidence boost,” she said.
“Physically though, I know I have to improve over the next two months, but all in all, I’m pretty happy.
Fox then went on to claim bronze in the K1 teams event with compatriot Alison Borrows, but the duo fell just short of a medal in the C1.
Meanwhile, Noemie – Fox’s young sister – was unable to replicate Jessica’s achievement, falling short in all four of her individual and team C1 and K1 events.
Fox won silver at the 2012 London Olympics in the K1 event.
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Photo: AAP Image/ICF Media, Delly Carr
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