Jessica Fox earmarked to become major Olympic powerbroker with backing of IOC president Thomas Bach and John Coates

Jessica Fox looks set to make a splash outside of the water, with the Australian star earmarked to become a major player on the global stage.

Jess Fox has been earmarked to become a major Olympic powerbroker.

Champion paddler Fox, who won her second gold medal of the Games when she defended her CI title in the testing rapids of the Nautical Stadium, became a representative on the International Olympic Committee’s athletes commission last November following a push by IOC president Thomas Bach who personally phoned her during this period.

It is believe Bach acted following a strong endorsement by Australia’s Olympic powerbroker John Coates.

The IOC believe Fox offers them a multitude of great qualities including the fact that she broadens their representation of sports coming from the canoeing scene, can speak several languages, can represent the Oceania region and they are also keen to address the IOC’s gender imbalance.

Jessica Fox has won two gold medals in Paris and is chasing a third. Picture: Olivier Morin/ AFP

Significantly, Fox’s youth is also seen as a bonus for the IOC are looking to modernise their structure and be switched on to the needs of young sports fans.

If she so desires the IOC are hoping Fox, following her career which will finish no time soon, would follow a career path similar to Zimbabwe swimmer Kirsty Coventry who is member of the IOC executive board.

“Jess has so many things in her favour and being an athlete who has seen so many Olympics she would be a great acquisition,’’ one IOC source said today.

Jessica Fox could make a splash outside of the water. Picture: Olivier Morin/AFP

Fox was jubilant at defending her title with a blistering but not flawless performance which thrilled her mother and coach Myriam who sooled her on as she ran along the bank and her more reserved father Richard, also a champion paddler.

“I think it’s the most remarkable thing she has ever done,’’ Richard told Channel 9.

“And I think those in sport will see it in the same way. You have energy in the tank but on this course you can’t let it loose. And she likes to attack.’’

After her victory Fox said it was an honour to be appointed to the commission and said it was important to have an athlete’s voice in the mix in the countdown to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

Originally published as Jessica Fox earmarked to become major Olympic powerbroker with backing of IOC president Thomas Bach and John Coates