Fox cruises through heats in Olympic C1 title defence
Superstar paddler Jessica Fox has another gold medal in sight after she breezed through the heats as she defends her C1 Olympic title in Paris.
Jessica Fox during the Women’s Kayak Singles heats at Vaires-sur-Marrne Nautical Stadium – during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games, France, July 27, 2024. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
After bagging the elusive K1 crown on Sunday, the Australian backed up in the canoe event at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.
Chasing an unprecedented three gold medals with the addition of the kayak cross to the 2024 program, Fox appeared to keep plenty in reserve in the two heat runs.
While she posted the fastest run of the field in the second outing, the 30-year-old qualified for Wednesday’s semi-final in second spot behind Czech Olympic debutante Gabriela Satkova.
The final will follow, scheduled for 1725 local time (0125 Thursday AEST).
“It was about getting that feel back in the canoe after being in the kayak,” said Fox, who now owns five Olympic medals including two gold.
“I felt good out there today, second place is all I needed to do – job done.”
Most athletes don’t compete in both disciplines and Fox said it was an advantage to have already competed on the course, despite the different strategies and strokes with the single-blade paddle.
“While I’ve had a look in the kayak I’ve got to make sure I’m on it tomorrow, it’s quite tricky this course, especially in a canoe.
“I’m glad I’m ranked toward the end so I’ve got time to analyse and watch the girls tomorrow.”
In the men’s K1 event, Australia’s Tim Anderson also proved he could be a medal shot by qualifying in fifth spot.
The Melbourne paddler matched his previous best international result, placing fifth in the K1 at last year’s world championships.
France’s Titouan Castryck was the runway leader of qualification, with the home country bidding for a second gold after Nicolas Gestin’s triumph.
AAP
