Jess Fox draws inspiration from Anna Meares ahead of gold medal assault
ON the day she plans to show why she’s Australia’s golden girl, Jess Fox has told of how Olympic cycling champion Anna Meares has helped shape her career.
Aus Team News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Aus Team News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
ON the day she plans to show why she’s Australia’s golden girl, Jess Fox has told of how Olympic cycling champion Anna Meares has helped shape her career.
Four years after clinching silver in London, Fox will lay down her gold medal assault in the heats of the K1 slalom at the whitewater course of Deodoro in Rio at 1.30am Tuesday morning (AEST).
Fox has matured physically with a devastating uptake in speed and power since her Olympic debut as an 18-year-old in London.
But the Sydney-sider has also developed mentally, drawing inspiration and advice from Meares, who she first met as a 10 year-old.
“I learn a lot from other athletes,’’ Fox said.
“I learn alot from talking to Anna Meares. I ask her ‘how was your experience?’
“We’ve bumped into each other along the years at AIS awards or conferences. And we follow each other on Twitter, so I have sent a message before and she’ll respond.
“I look up to her.
“I think I was 10 years old after Athens and she won a gold medal, when I met her.
“And then I was in the elevator with her in London before her race and I just remember her being very focused.
“I was like ‘oh my god.’
“Then I met her afterwards and she was so lovely, warm and approachable. She’s a true champion on and off the track.
“I admire her determination, tenacity but also everything she does outside of it.’’
Having celebrated excitedly at the opening ceremony, Fox knows now it’s time to get down to business.
After Australian’s Lucien Delfour (K1) and Ian Borrows (C1) opened their Olympic account overnight, Fox knows the wait is over.
It’s time for Australia’s silver fox, to be our golden girl.
Originally published as Jess Fox draws inspiration from Anna Meares ahead of gold medal assault
Bold new plunge that has left Jess Fox nervous
Put a paddle in her hand and she’s a fearless competitor but Jess Fox admits she is suddenly nervous. She explains her latest career move to Robert Craddock.
Australia’s first Paris gold medallist pulls pin after historic feat
Australia’s first gold medal winner from the Paris Olympics is committed to retirement – despite becoming the first woman to complete the Olympic-world titles time trial golden double.