Noemie Fox has become the fourth member of her family to earn a spot in the Olympics, joining her sister Jess in the upcoming Paris Games. Fox secured one of the three available Olympic spots at the global qualification event in Prague this June.
A Family of Olympians
Noemie Fox, 27, has grown up surrounded by canoe slalom world champions and Olympic medallists. Her parents, Myriam and Richard, were both Olympic canoeists, and her sister Jessica is the most successful paddler of all time with eight individual world titles and four Olympic medals. Myriam Fox also serves as Noemie’s coach.
“I’m just a lot more mature and able to handle how big the Olympics is,” Noemie Fox stated. “I’m ready to be a lot more competitive now.”
New Opportunities in Kayak Cross
For the first time, the Paris Olympics will feature the kayak cross event, presenting a new opportunity for Noemie. In previous Olympic cycles, her sister Jess had claimed Australia’s only available spots in slalom events, but the introduction of kayak cross created a new opening.
“In Tokyo, it was hard seeing others qualify easily while I couldn’t compete,” Noemie recalled. “This time, we did everything we could to seize the opportunity.”
Qualification Triumph in Prague
Fox earned her place on the Olympic team after intense competition in Prague. She navigated five grueling races and clinched silver in the final, securing one of the three coveted spots for unqualified athletes worldwide.
“I never considered switching allegiances to France or Great Britain to make qualification easier,” Fox emphasized. “For me, the Olympics is more than just a start line. It’s about the journey, and Australia celebrates that journey well.”
Support and Rivalry
Throughout her career, Noemie’s sister Jess has been her biggest supporter and training partner. While they may strategize together, Noemie remains focused on her individual performance.
“I’m an individual competitor for Australia,” she asserted. “Even if it’s my sister, I won’t let anyone overtake me easily.”
Preparing for the Olympic Stage
As the Paris Olympics approach, Fox is not merely aiming to participate; she intends to prove her capabilities on the world stage.
“I never wanted to fully dream about being at the start line at the Olympics until I qualified,” she said. “Now that I’m here, I have to prove that I’m capable.”
