Fox goes after Aussie Open

JESS Fox is understandably relaxed about this weekend’s Australian Open Canoe Slalom event at Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

Jessica Fox training at the Penrith Whitewater stadium, preparing herself for next week’s Australian Open. Picture: Justin Sanson

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JESS Fox is understandably relaxed about this weekend’s Australian Open Canoe Slalom event at Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

Fox took out the K-1/C-1 double at the Oceania Championships in New Zealand last month which gave have automatic entry to the Australian team for the world championships in October.

There are still two more spots on the woman’s team for the two events and the best performers, other than Fox, will take them after this weekend’s event.

“I can paddle a bit more freely now, but the Aussies that haven’t qualified will be giving it everything they have,” Fox said.

Jessica Fox prepares for the Australian Open. Picture: Justin Sanson

With paddlers coming from all over the world, particularly Europe, Fox expects competition to be tight, especially among the local athletes who train at Penrith every week.

“It’s a world-class field,” Fox said.

“The Aussies will have an advantage and we’ll see their times much closer to each other than they would be at Penrith compared to overseas courses.

“We select our squad a bit earlier than other countries fro the world titles and I’m happy about that.

“It will be good to get out there. You can learn a lot with each event.”

The heats start at 9am tomorrow and Fox will hit the water at 10.30 on Saturday morning for the C1 and 1.30pm for the K1 event.

The finals will be run on Saturday and Sunday.