Fox Island Honors Olympic Champions Jess and Noémie Fox at Penrith Whitewater Stadium
September 5, 2024She recalled the impact of the 2000 Olympics and the 2005 World Championships on her journey as an athlete.
In a significant tribute to their achievements, Olympic champions Jess and Noémie Fox will have an island named 'Fox Island' at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium, a venue originally built for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
This naming recognizes the Fox family's substantial contributions to the paddling community, particularly following their successes at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Jess Fox, a 14-time world champion, recently celebrated her second and third Olympic gold medals, while Noémie secured her first gold medal in the kayak cross event.
The NSW and federal governments are investing $3.2 million to support Paddle Australia in organizing the upcoming International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships.
These championships are set to take place at the upgraded Penrith Whitewater Stadium from October 1-6, 2025, following a $3.1 million renovation.
Around 300 competitors from 50 nations are expected to participate in the championships, which will feature 10 medal events including canoe and kayak singles, teams, and kayak cross.
The event is anticipated to attract approximately 20,000 spectators, with NSW Premier Chris Minns expressing hopes that it will inspire young people to pursue canoeing.
Jess Fox expressed her excitement about competing close to home and reflected on her childhood experiences watching competitions at the stadium.
The Penrith Whitewater Stadium serves as Australia's high-performance centre for canoe slalom and is gearing up to host this prestigious event.
Noémie celebrated her victory in Paris by jumping into the water, showcasing the strong bond between the sisters as they continue to inspire future generations of kayakers.
Premier Minns praised the Fox sisters for their significant contributions to Australia's Olympic legacy and their role in promoting the sport.
Summary based on 3 sources
Get a daily email with more Australia News stories
Sources
The Guardian • Sep 4, 2024
Fox sisters have island named after them in honour of Olympic achievementsnews.com.au — Australia’s leading news site • Sep 4, 2024
‘Means so much’: Fox sisters’ special honournews.com.au — Australia’s leading news site • Sep 4, 2024
Fox sisters moved by sweet gesture