Mazel Tov Jessica!
Minister for Sport and Recreation and Minister Assisting the Premier on Western Sydney Stuart Ayres has congratulated Penrith’s Jessica Fox following her historic double victory at the Canoe Slalom World Championships in Maryland, USA.
Jess Fox in action in the London 2012 Olympics
After defending her C1 title on Saturday, Jessica’s win overnight in the K1, saw her become the first ever female paddler to win the K1/C1 double at a world championship.
Jessica Fox lights the Shabbat candles at Sydney’s Central Synagogue watched by Rabbi Levi Wolff
“At the 2013 World Championships in Prague, Jessica won the C1 but missed out on making the finals in the K1, so to come back 12 months later and take the double is simply sensational,” Mr Ayres said.
“Even more special was to have her parents Richard and Miriam by her side, who themselves both won world titles 25 years ago.
“It was only April this year that Jess took out both the C1 and K1 titles at the under-23 world championships in Penrith, but she has now backed that up to become the first woman to achieve the feat at the senior level.
“After taking a silver medal from the London Olympic Games and this most recent form, Jess is in a stronger position than ever heading into the Rio.
“Make no mistake – Jess Fox is a genuine superstar and is already one of Australia’s best female athletes.
“We are all immensely proud of what Jess has achieved, while she continues to be a shining role model for young athletes, particularly young women across the nation.
“Jess continues to be a credit to not only Western Sydney but New South Wales, and Australia,” Mr Ayres concluded.
Over 600 athletes & officials from over 35 countries participated at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships held from September 17-21 in Maryland, USA.
Sydney’s Central Synagogue spiritual leader Rabbi Levi Wolff numbers himself among Jessica’s fans. He told J=Wire: “When she visited the shul for a Friday night service, she lit two Shabbas candles and I guess each one has brought a championship. Maybe she will light the menorah on the last day of Chanukah and produce eight! We are delighted she has met with such success. She struck me as being a very dedicated and focused young woman. She throughly deserves her success.”
Chairman of Maccabi Australia Barry Smorgon said that the entire Jewish community should be proud of her. He asked: “How many Jewish sports enthusiasts reach the top echelon at world level?”
Smorgon added: “Only a few weeks ago, Jessica was awarded Jewish Sportswoman of the Year by Maccabi. Although not a member of Maccabi as we don’t have a canoeing section, she has been a guest speaker at Maccabi functions and is a wonderful young woman. She has endeared herself to all who have the the honour to meet her.”
The Execuive Council of Australian jewry had added its congratulations through executive director Peter Wertheim.
“Mazel tov to Jessica Fox on her recent outstanding achievements in retaining her C1 world title and winning the KI title in the Canoe Slalom World Championships in the US. These are matters of great pride for herself, her family, the Jewish community and the whole of Australia. She may not yet be a household name, but Jessica has already established herself as one of Australia’s foremost athletes, and a worthy role model for young Australians of all backgrounds. We rejoice in her success and wish her many more accomplishments in what has already been a stellar athletic career for someone so young.”
