‘Devastating’: Jess Fox’s grandfather dies after sister clinched Olympic berth

The Fox family have had a rollercoaster of emotions in recent weeks after Jess and sister Noemie qualified for Paris amid tragic personal news.

Jess Fox swept the medals at the World Cup. Photo: Paddle Photography

Red hot Australian gold medal hope Jess Fox has hit both the highest of highs and lowest of lows in a rollercoaster week of emotions.

Fox is already considered the greatest paddler of all-time and has won medals in the past three Olympic Games, including breaking through for gold in the C1 event in Tokyo.

But the 11-time world champion said her younger sister Noemie earning a spot in Paris was “one of the best days of my life”.

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“Honestly, it was probably up there with winning the Olympics,” the 30-year-old told reporters from Paris as she prepares for the Olympics.

“It was so challenging, it’s such a massive build up for her to come into that race.

“The Kayak Cross, a lot can happen, a lot can go wrong, you’ve just got to make it through each round until you make it through to the final.”

Previously there have been C-1, using a single-bladed paddle, and K-1, using a double-bladed paddle, competitions at the Olympics, but a third event will be added for Paris — the Kayak Cross, which will see four competitors take to the course at the same time.

This is the event Noemie will compete in.

The Fox sisters are going to Paris. Photo: Instagram

But amid the news of both sisters qualifying for the Olympics, the Fox family also suffered a shock loss after the death of grandfather Roger Fox.

Roger had seen his granddaughters compete at the 2023 World Cup and had booked tickets to Paris to see both compete at the Olympics.

“We’ve had emotional highs and lows in the last two weeks,” Jess said.

“My grandpa was one of our biggest fans — he was always following us closely, watching live results or at the events.

“What was really beautiful was that he knew that Noemie had qualified before he passed away, so it gave us some joy and some peace knowing that he knew.

“He would have been so proud and so happy knowing she had achieved that dream.

“It’s devastating knowing he won’t be there in Paris but he’ll have front row seats and he’ll be with us, cheering us on from up there.”

Roger started the Fox’s success in the paddling world, one of the founding members of the St Albans Canoe Club and supporting his children in their development in the sport.

Richard, who is Jess and Noemie’s father, was a 10-time world champion for Great Britain and claimed fourth in the 1992 Olympics. The pair’s mother, and coach, Myriam Fox-Jerusalmi, competed in two Olympics for France, claiming bronze in K1 at the 1996 Games.

Jessica Fox with her parents Myriam Fox-Jerusalmi and Richard Fox. Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images

Richard’s sister Rachel also raced for Great Britain, winning four medals at World events.

Roger was heavily involved in canoeing and in 2011 became the Vice-President of British Canoeing.

Paddle UK chairman Professor John Coyne CBE said: “Roger was much more than a Vice-President of Paddle UK: he was an iconic and pivotal figure who served our sport with distinction for 60 years.

“He was also the head of a sporting dynasty that has been at the forefront of world paddling since his son Richard won his first world championship in 1979.

“He would have been the most enthusiastic of supporters as his granddaughters compete in the Paris Olympics later this year.

“Despite all the success and distinction I shall remember Roger most for his courtesy, his generosity, his passion and his modesty. He was a true gentleman.”

CEO of Paddle UK Ashley Metcalfe called Roger “a real icon”, adding “I’m sure his legacy will continue for generations to come”.

Jess Fox is in unprecedented form, even for her. Photo: Paddle Photography

Jess Fox recently won her 51st World Cup gold medal, becoming the first paddler to bring home three gold medals at a single ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup.

But she revealed when Noemie was racing, her heartrate spiked to 185 beats per minute.

Jess said Noemie’s qualification was “a dream come true”.

“Being able to do that with my sister, who has been a training partner, a competitor, best friend — but also she’s been on the sidelines,” Jess said.

“She’s been watching the Games, she’s worked at the Games, she’s been a volunteer, a spectator, she’s done everything else except be the athlete.

“To be able to share that together is going to be incredible. It’s really beautiful to be able to celebrate that as a family.”

Originally published as ‘Devastating’: Jess Fox’s grandfather dies after sister clinched Olympic berth