Jess Fox beats an infection to win K1 and C1 national championships

JESSICA Fox did what was expected and won both the women’s K1 and C1 titles at the Australian national slalom championships at Penrith Whitewater Stadium last week.

Jess Fox competes at the National Canoe-Slalom titles at Penrith Whitewater Stadium. Picture: John Rohloff

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JESSICA Fox did what was expected and won both the women’s K1 and C1 titles at the Australian national slalom championships at Penrith Whitewater Stadium last week.

The two-time Olympic medallist said she probably shouldn’t have taken to the water after suffering a severe throat infection.

“I felt pretty weak leading up to the event but when I was in race mode I found the energy when needed,” Fox said.

Jessica Fox competes at the 2017 Australian Canoe Slalom Championships. Picture: Carmela Roache

“It was good practice because that could happen at the Olympics.”

Fox beat Rosalyn Lawrence by 7.91sec in the K1 final after she was snapping at her heels in the heats.

In the C1 it was Fox’s sister Noemie was finished runner-up, 5.19sec back.

“I raced really well and was as close to the men’s times as I’ve ever been,” Fox said.

“I knew I had to deliver an exceptional run in the final because the girls that train at the course every day know it as well as me.

Rosalyn Lawrence was chasing Jess Fox all the way at Penrith Whitewater Stadium. Picture: Carmela Roache.

“She’s (Noemie) improved a lot and training a lot more. She’s motivated and we help each other out. Observing others is a big part of the sport.”

Fox next travels to New Zealand for the Oceania Championships on January 29.

“It’s a new course, in Auckland and it’s quite a challenging one too,” Fox said.

Ian Borrows a limited preparation but won the men’s C1 by more than three seconds.