There are few things canoeist Jessica Fox hasn’t achieved at the Olympics.
But in front of her family, and at the venue where she will attempt to defend her C1 crown, the 30-year-old notched another first by becoming an Olympic torchbearer.
With her trademark smile beaming from ear to ear, Jessica helped steer the Olympic flame down the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium in a much larger boat than she is used to as part of the Torch Relay.
“It was an amazing opportunity to be part of the torch relay and sit in the raft,” she said.
“It’s a bit different, but we got to take it down the rapids and it survived which is great and an amazing experience.”
It was a star-studded leg for the Olympic Flame, with Jess being one of five Olympic champions from canoe-kayak slalom in the boat with the torch.
Ricarda Funk (GER), Benjamin Savsek (SLO), Jiri Prskavec (CZE) and Emilie Fer (FRA) all shared the torch between them, as they navigated the slalom course at a much slower speed than will be seen during the Olympics.
Jessica joked that having the extra people in the boat with that experience made sure things ran smoothly.
“With five Olympic champions in the raft, plus the guide, we know what we’re doing,” she said.
For her father, Richard Fox, the occasion showcased the strong friendships that are formed in the sport.
“It was wonderful to see,” Richard said.
“It was a great collection, they’re champions all together. There’s great camaraderie in the sport between those athletes.
“It’s very special for our sport to be recognised and at the venue. It was lovely to be here.”
Jess is the first Australian to carry the Paris 2024 torch, an achievement that magnified the moment according to her sister and teammate Noemie.
“It’s cool to see Australia represented,” she said.
“It was amazing to see that all together.
“I think we’re one of the only venues to get access to the Olympic torch coming to where we train every single day. So super special to see that.”
The pair’s mother and coach, Myriam, was also on hand to witness the historic moment, completing the family affair.
The achievement was celebrated by Chef de Mission Anna Meares..
“It acknowledges her French roots,” she said.
“It acknowledges her great achievement as Olympic champion for Australia and it is a great honour to represent Australia as a torch bearer on French soil.”
While it was the first time Jess had the honour of carrying the Olympic torch, she did run with the Youth Olympic torch during the inaugural Games in Singapore in 2010.
This article was originally written for The Australian Olympic Team. You can read the published version here
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