SYDNEY (AP) - Triple Olympic gold medalist Jessica Fox has recently undergone surgery to remove a tumor from her left kidney. Following the procedure, the 31-year-old Australian athlete has announced that she will not participate in the remaining canoe-kayak World Cup events scheduled for this year.
Fox described her experience over the past few weeks as a "whirlwind," but reassured her fans that she is doing well, mentioning, "just a couple of gnarly new scars, a bit less kidney." The athlete has achieved remarkable success in her career, having won gold medals in both the K1 and C1 events at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, alongside her victory in the C1 category during the Tokyo Olympics held in 2021.
As the first female canoe slalom athlete to secure three Olympic gold medals, Fox is also recognized as the most decorated Olympic canoeist in history, with a total of six Olympic medals to her name, making significant contributions to the sport.
In a statement issued by Paddle Australia, Fox expressed her optimism about her recovery process, stating, "I’m feeling positive and looking forward to heading home, focusing on recovery, and then building towards being back on the water again." The statement did not disclose whether the tumor was cancerous, although it confirmed that her surgery was successful and that she is now recovering well after experiencing some initial post-surgery complications.
The president of the Australian Olympic Committee, Ian Chesterman, acknowledged the challenging period for Fox, her family, and her support team. He remarked on Fox's resilience, saying, "But the one thing we know is that Jess is an incredibly resilient person and she has faced this latest challenge with her renowned determination and fight, just as you’d expect." He emphasized that everyone is looking forward to seeing her return to the sport.
As she focuses on recovery, the athletic community will undoubtedly keep a close watch on Jessica Fox's journey back to competitive canoeing, with hopes for her prompt return to the water. Her indomitable spirit and dedication to her sport serve as an inspiration to many.
___
