Paris Olympics 24: Noemie Fox reveals how sister Jess inspires her in debut campaign

Noemie Fox is ready for her Olympics debut in the kayak cross, revealing how sister Jess and her golden feats have inspired her journey

Noemia and Jess Fox are adding to their rich family history at the Olympics. Picture: Adam Head

Noemie Fox is filled with pride even before she gets her long-awaited moment to shine in green and gold colours.

Her sister and best friend Jess, who won her second gold medal in the women’s kayak slalom, has been a constant source of inspiration on her determined journey to a dream Olympics debut.

“She’s showing me how it’s done essentially and seeing the way she manages the nerves and can back up a performance – the world’s watching and she’s got a lot of pressure but it’s definitely inspiring,’’ Noemie said.

“Also her composure and seeing how well respected she is in the broader Australian team and as a result being a flag bearer to lead our team out there. There’s a lot of qualities such as humility, and approachability, she’s so encouraging of everyone, me especially, but then all the wider community and the athletes.

Noemie and Jess Fox in Paris. Picture: Adam Head

“So humble for someone that’s so great, but also so tenacious and does her job, does it with passion and does it with love, and that’s definitely inspiring for me to be in her presence every single day but also watch her be the world’s best.”

The Fox sisters could come up against each other in the new kayak cross event on Saturday, which Noemie describes as a contact sport.

In preparation she ventured to central Paris for a laugh with the Inspired Unemployed for Swisse.

“I’m definitely hoping we don’t meet until the finals but we’re not sure what the pools will be,’’ Fox said.

“These Olympics are my first, even for the very experienced Olympians there’s something super special about these games.

“The opening ceremony was amazing and an incredible way to start it all off. Watching the canoe slalom events and getting used to the crowd, it’s just really insane and I’m soaking up every minute and super excited to get racing.”

Noemie Fox in central Paris with the Inspired Unemployed for Swisse

Given the venue location, Fox is staying with the rowers and the other paddle sports in a sub site.

The 27 year-old can’t wait for her chance to get another Fox on the podium.

“I’ve never really had a shot at the Olympics because it’s always one person per event and Jess has been world no.1 since 2010, so definitely challenging in that respect, but I’m really proud of the way we had a tiny opening and we seized that and put together a great strategy and stuck to the plan.

Brought to you by

I really had an incredible support system that believed in me since that day and it paid off and now I get my shot.

“At the end of the day, a lot of people say why don’t you just change countries because I’ve got three nationalities, but there’s more to our sport than the Olympics. Obviously it’s the pinnacle and it’s what every athlete dreams of but it is what it is. I knew that even if it didn’t work out I was so grateful for that experience – but it did and it’s all very exciting.”