Back to her roots: Olympic gold medallist Noemie Fox returns to her old school
During a visit to Leonay Primary, canoeist Noemie Fox has spoken about what keeps her grounded following her Olympic gold medal in Paris last year.
NSW
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It’s a long way from Paris, but Penrith is the only place Olympic canoeist Noemie Fox calls home.
Almost a year to the day since Fox won gold at the 2024 Games, she found herself sitting on a bench at her old primary school with the goal of giving back to the community that put her in a position to compete at the upcoming world championships.
“It’s always so incredible to come back and realise you were just one of those little kids in the hall today,” Fox said on her return to Leonay Primary School.
“Sometimes you forget how powerful it is to come back and share your story, especially now as an Olympian.”
Fox, 28, said when she was a student at the school she had no idea she would compete at the highest level, describing her aspirations as a “pipe dream”.
Now, reflecting on what she has accomplished, she has made sure to always remember her roots.
“Kayaking in essence is a very humbling sport, so we have never forget where we came from,” she said.
“I still live locally (and) see a lot of my school friends and teachers as well, which has been amazing to not only have incredible opportunities, but share them with the community.”
Preparing for September’s world championships, to be held at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, Fox said her next major competition would be a “full circle” moment for her, rivalling the heights she had already reached in her illustrious career.
“We just want to share the love of kayaking and give an event for people to watch in September,” Fox said.
“When you’re involved in sporting moments, either as a volunteer or a spectator, it’s really a way to feel incredible emotions.”
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Originally published as Back to her roots: Olympic gold medallist Noemie Fox returns to her old school
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