Triple Olympic gold medallist Jess Fox has announced that she underwent surgery to remove a tumor from her left kidney last week. The procedure was successful, according to her management team, though Fox experienced some “post-surgery complications” but is now on the mend.
Fox, 31, will miss the remaining World Cup canoe slalom events in Europe, opting instead to focus on her recovery at home in Australia. “It’s been a whirlwind over the last few weeks, but I’m all good – just a couple of gnarly new scars, a bit less kidney, and a whole lot more toughness!” Fox said in a statement. “I’m feeling positive and looking forward to heading home, focusing on recovery, and then building towards being back on the water again.”
Support from the Canoeing Community
The celebrated paddler expressed her gratitude to her medical team and supporters via Instagram. “The surgery went really well and I’m on the mend. I’m super grateful to the incredible medical staff for their care and expertise – thank you Dr Mohan Arianayagam and his team, and Dr Stephen Nolan, Dr Parrapil, the amazing nurses and physios at Norwest, Dr Scott Reid, my physio Tony and psych Chris, and our Paddle Aus team for their support,” she wrote. “And of course my wonderful family and friends.”
Paddle Australia also extended their best wishes to Fox, emphasizing that her health and recovery are of utmost importance. “Jessica’s health and recovery is of the highest priority and while she recovers, she will not take part in ICF World Cups 4 & 5,” the organization stated. “We look forward to seeing her back paddling again soon.”
Fox’s Olympic Legacy and Resilience
Fox’s absence from the World Cup events marks a significant moment in her illustrious career. As Australia’s flagbearer at the Paris Olympics, she not only won two gold medals but also secured a position on the IOC Athletes’ Commission, serving until the Brisbane 2032 Games. Her influence extends beyond her athletic achievements, impacting many lives globally.
“It has been a difficult time for Jess, her family and for her support crew,” said Ian Chesterman, president of the Australian Olympic Committee. “But the one thing we know is that Jess is an incredibly resilient person and she has faced this latest challenge with her renowned determination and fight, just as you’d expect.”
“Through her incredible efforts in sport and the many other projects where she is making a difference, Jess has impacted on the lives of so many, not just in Australia but across the world. I know that all those people will now be cheering for her to make a full and speedy recovery and are looking forward to seeing her back on the water.”
The Road to Recovery
As Fox embarks on her recovery journey, her focus remains on regaining her strength and returning to the sport she loves. Her story of resilience and determination serves as an inspiration to many, both within and outside the sporting community. The next steps for Fox involve rest, rehabilitation, and a gradual return to training, with the ultimate goal of competing at the highest level once again.
For now, the canoeing world awaits her return, confident in her ability to overcome this latest hurdle with the same spirit that has defined her career. As her fans and supporters rally behind her, Jess Fox’s journey continues to inspire and motivate those who follow her remarkable path.
