Jess Fox testing waters for attempt on paddling history

SHE’S won two Olympic medals and multiple world titles but paddler Jess Fox is now testing the waters for a place in history.

Jessica Fox has a new goal for her third Olymic Games.

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SHE’S won two Olympic medals and multiple world titles but Jess Fox is now testing the waters for a place in history.

The Penrith paddler, who won silver in London then bronze at the Rio Olympics in the K1, has a new goal for Tokyo 2020.

“I want to compete in two events this time, not just one,’’ said Fox ahead of this weekend’s canoe slalom Australian Open at the Sydney Olympic site at Penrith.

Fox’s first test will come in Pau, France, later this year when she bids for a special place in history by winning world titles in both the C1 and K1 classes on a course so familiar she considers it her “second home’’.

Jessica Fox training at the Penrith Whitewater stadium for the Australian Open.

Fox achieved the double back in 2014 but no paddler has achieved the milestone twice.

“To do it would be amazing because it’s not been done before,’’ she said.

“It would also prove to people that I can do both events.’’

Jessica Fox with her bronze medal aftyer the Rio Games.

Integral to her success at the worlds and in Tokyo in three years is Fox changing her training radically to spend 50 per cent of her time in the C1 boat now approved for racing at the Japan Games.

“Previously its been about 80/20 because the C1 wasn’t an Olympic class,’’ Fox said,

“It will be interesting to see if I improve dramatically or not because of the training change or if the K1 suffers, it takes a hit.’’