‘She’s sister by blood, so she can’t be mad for too long’: Fox sisters gear up for potential showdown

Paris: It was all smiles for Australia’s canoe slalom sisters Jess and Noemie Fox at the Paris 2024 press centre on Sunday until a question about the prospect of the pair potentially competing against each other for the same gold medal in the kayak cross was asked.

“There’s something special about being able to just lash out on her because I know she’ll forgive me,” Noemie, tongue-in-cheek, told the world’s media. “She’s sister by blood, so she can’t be mad for too long.

“We’ve made great sparring partners and I think we’ve both pushed each other forward quite a long way. Hopefully we line up next to each other in the final. That would be the best possible outcome.”

Jess Fox is a veteran of three Olympics, a gold medal winner in Tokyo and one of the most recognisable athletes on the Australian team in Paris.

Now she has her younger sister by her side and is enjoying watching her live out her maiden Olympic dream. The pair, who are staying out of Paris with their canoe slalom teammates, visited the Olympic village to get a taste of the atmosphere and confirm whether the Australian team’s personal barista really is making the best coffee in town.

“What’s so special about Noemie being at her first Games is that I’m also seeing everything for the first time again through her lens,” Jess said.

Jessica Fox (left) and Noemie Fox (right) of Australia speak to the media on Sunday in Paris. Credit: Getty Images

For almost half an hour the sisters reminisced on their respective journeys, their French heritage – both were born in Marseille – being the daughters of Olympians and what it would be like going up against each other.

Noemie will make her Olympic debut in the new discipline of kayak cross, an event in which Jess is a medal chance.

The pair say they haven’t raced each other much, but recall a day in 2021 when they were powering through the water with no love lost.

“She’s tough,” said Jess of her younger sister. “I don’t like going head-to-head in racing with Noemie. She’s a very fierce competitor.

The Fox sisters ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris. Credit: Getty Images

“We haven’t had any bad days. There was one day where I charged on her and she wasn’t expecting it. Then she was a bit annoyed at me because she had a sore neck.”

Noemie added: “I think the overriding emotions are definitely pride. It’s been so incredible to have my first opportunity. To join Jess on the Olympic team is so amazing.”

The Fox sisters have already sent their French grandmother a postcard from the village but say she is nervous and won’t be coming to their events. Their parents, Richard and Myriam were also Olympians in canoe events, competing for Britain and France respectively.

“She’s stressed … for her it’s best to be at home. She’ll be pacing in the backyard,” said Jess of their grandmother. “It’s just the most incredible story to have all four of us now as Olympians … you know … Mum’s the coach and Dad will be with the media.”

Jess is gunning for gold medals in the C1, K1 and kayak cross. Only one Australian – swimmer Shane Gould in 1972 – has won three individual gold medals at the same Olympics.

A breakthrough gold medal three years ago in Tokyo was a weight lifted off Jess’ shoulders after bronze and silver medals in London 2012 and Rio 2016.

She says her motivation has not subsided.

Jess and Noemie Fox in front of the Eiffel Tower after qualifying for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

“I’d achieved that childhood dream and I wasn’t sure how I’d feel after that … whether there’d still be that fire and excitement and desire to and determination to push and be hungry. It’s still there,” she said.

“I definitely come into these Games excited, nervous … and wanting to give it my best crack. I know that I’ve achieved that gold medal and that can’t be taken away from me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want another one.

“It just gives me the tingles. The Olympics gives you this energy that you really can’t find anywhere else.”

There was a moment at the press conference where journalists did their best to read every bit of body language.

Jess Fox, sitting next to Australia’s chef de mission Anna Meares, said she would be at Friday’s opening ceremony, saying “it just looks to be like such a spectacular event”.

Fox is the favourite to be Australia’s female flag bearer but Meares, not for the first time, was giving nothing away. There was no eye contact between the pair when a question came up. Were they both in on a secret?

Meares was asked if she had already informed the successful flag bearer.

“You’ll find out on the 24th,” Meares replied, with a poker face.

“My criteria for the flag bearer obviously considers longevity, the achievement, the character, humility and their contribution to Olympic sport.”

For Olympics news, results and expert analysis sent daily throughout the Games, sign up for our Sport newsletter.