Olympic canoeist Jess Fox speaks with us about chasing dreams upstream

Q: Beyond physical ability, what do you think it takes to achieve Olympic success in canoeing?

A: It’s not just about the physical. Paddling is highly technical and each course is different. You must be able to adapt to each one while maintaining a robust technique for any challenging gate combination. I think it’s also about the mental aspect too, you need to stay focused, visualise the race course, and believe in yourself and your abilities. The Olympics is a race like no other, filled with numerous distractions and hype, so it’s also about managing all those external factors.

Q: How important is mental wellbeing in elite sports, and how do you look after yours?

A: It’s very important to look after ourselves mentally, just as we do physically. As an athlete, I see the physio, do strength training, eat and sleep well and stretch to ensure my body is in the best shape possible. It’s important to do that maintenance for the mind as well! For me, this includes meditation, sufficient sleep, reading, painting, spending time in the bush or by the sea, journaling and seeing a sports psychologist. I also find it important to nurture the relationships in my life, spend time with my loved ones, have fun, and find joy and gratitude each day.

Q: You were born in Marseille, and now you’re going back to France to make history as the first Australian canoe slalom athlete to compete at four Olympics. What are you most looking forward to about the big trip?

A: It’s going to be such an incredible experience being in Paris for these Olympic Games. It’s a special moment for my family too, a lot of them live in France and will be able to see me race at the Games for the first time. I love Paris as a city. I love the culture, the food, and the vision for these games has me so excited! I can’t wait to be part of it.

Q: Your mum and sister are amazing athletes, and you are the youngest woman in canoe slalom to win an Olympic medal! Do you think having strong women role models has helped on your path to success?

A: Absolutely! The women in my life have been huge inspirations, mentors and support for me along the way. Our mum is our coach and one of the most passionate people I know. My sister is my training partner and competitor and we push each other every day on the water, and get to share incredible experiences together along the way.

Q: What is it about canoeing that hooked you to the sport?

I love the whitewater! Paddling on rapids is what makes it so much fun. There's always a new move to try, a different wave or feature to play with. It feels like a whitewater playground to me, and having fun on the water was what got me hooked and what keeps me going.

Q: What’s your biggest strength as an athlete?

I think I am really good technically and work at it daily, but one of my biggest strengths is my mind. I'm stronger than I think. I'm resilient and when I'm ready to race and get into that flow state, I feel free and unstoppable. When you see that blue steel look in my eyes on the start line, stay away!

Q: Final question. What does a relaxing weekend look like for you?

If it’s a weekend getaway, it would be somewhere by the beach, reading a book and hanging out with my partner or friends. If it’s just a normal weekend at home, I try to find time to relax after training, which might include having brunch with a friend at our favourite cafe, getting organised for the week ahead and spending time in the kitchen learning a new recipe!