Red-hot Fox hunts undefeated season in Rio
JESSICA Fox is hoping to end the best international season of her life with a splash – and potentially a world title or two.
The canoe slalom sensation has returned to the course which delivered her a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics, chasing world championship success in the K1 and C1 events.
Over the last two days she has qualified fastest in both events ahead of this weekend’s finals. Fox is the reigning K1 world champion – the event in which she won her bronze in at the 2016 Olympics.
She is a former C1 world champion and hopes to regain the title after a stunning season on the World Cup circuit.
“It’s been a great season and my best World Cup season,” Fox said.
“To win all five ( World Cups) in C1 is something that’s never been done and to take out the overall in both categories was very exciting and shows that I’ve had a really consistent year.
“This is the last race of the year, so I am excited to give it everything and put it all out there to be on the podium in both events.”
Fox made a flying start at the regatta, posting the fastest time in the C1 when she pipped Great Britain’s reigning world champion Mallory Franklin and her teammate Kimberley Woods.
If Fox wins the C1 title she will be the first slalom athlete to go through an entire international season undefeated.
“I think last year was really disappointing and frustrating,” said Fox of being unable to defend her C1 crown.
“But that happens and it’s just about learning and coming back stronger.
“I’ve been feeling good, I’ve changed boats and tried different things, so I’m just looking forward to racing here again.
“Last time we came here there was only K1, so now to do both is really nice.”
Fox’s younger sister Noemie has also qualified for the final, along with Ros Lawrence.
Fox’s long-term goal is to win both the K1 and the new women’s Olympic C1 class at the Tokyo Games in 2020.