Australian Olympian Jess Fox revealed the difficult journey back to her beloved sport after winning her first gold following surgery to remove a kidney tumor.
Fox had already ruled the canoeing world, as evidenced by her three Olympic gold medals, numerous world championships, and World Cup victories.
But for the Australian canoeing golden girl, earning silver has never meant more.
Fox finished just 0.13 seconds behind Slovenian gold medallist Eva Alina Hocevar (81.61) in the women’s K1 final at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup in Tacen, Slovenia.
Nine months after undergoing surgery to remove a benign tumor from her left kidney, the 31-year-old finished on the podium in her first race back at the World Cup.
The four-time Olympian who won double gold in the C1 and K1 events at the 2024 Paris Games remarked, “This is probably the first time a silver medal has felt like a gold medal to me.”
In Slovenia, Jess Fox earned silver in her maiden World Cup competition following kidney surgery.
Nine months after undergoing surgery to remove a tumor, the Olympic great resumed competition.
“Just getting to the start line today was the biggest challenge,” the four-time Olympian said after battling through months of recovery to resume racing. I was thrilled to score two strong runs—they weren’t flawless, but they were good enough—and advance to the final. It feels incredible to follow up with another strong run in the championship game. Since it was my first race back, I can’t really complain about losing a little time in a few gates. It’s amazing to be racing again and to begin in this manner.
Fox revealed on Instagram how difficult the recuperation process had been, and it has been a long trip back to the sport she loves.
She described the pain of missing a home World Championship, the gradual return to the water, her first paddling experience two months following surgery, and the process of gradually regaining her strength.
“From the operating room to the starting line.” Many times of uncertainty, thankfulness, and development. She wrote, “It’s been a lot.”It hasn’t been the ideal preparation, but when I think back on the past nine months, I’m feeling quite proud. However, it has been genuine and about bringing what I have.
Fox claimed that her journey back had been full of development, thankfulness, and uncertainty.
After Jess’s incredible comeback to competition, Sister Noemie Fox praised her tenacity.
The Olympic champion expressed her gratitude, humility, and desire for continued success. “Thank you to everyone who helped and supported me—mentally, physically, and emotionally,” she added. I’m incredibly appreciative of my team, family, friends, and sponsors. I’m thrilled to be back in Europe and am looking forward to the season. It’s still a work in progress, taking things one step at a time, handling a few hiccups, and building toward the World Champs. I’m excited to experience everything once more. Thank you. Hungry, humble, and curious. Let’s head out.
Olympic winner Noemie Fox, her sister, praised her toughness.
“Straight into the final, less than a year after a major surgery and collased lung and even while dealing with an injury,” she wrote.
“Girls are built differently.”
“I’m really happy to take this silver medal, and I’m also really stoked for Eva [Alina Hocevar],” said the Penrith sensation, who qualified fourth quickest with a clean lap in the women’s K1 heats before clocking 81.74 in the final. She gave an amazing performance and seems quite content after her run.
Men’s and women’s canoe competitions will resume in the 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup in Tacen.
