Noemie Fox Ready to Embrace Pressure at Slalom World Championships
Noemie Fox is prepared to meet Australia's expectations as she competes in the slalom world championships, believing she's finally ready to embrace the pressure. The championships begin on Monday at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, with Fox taking center stage in the absence of her sister, Jess.
Jess Fox's Absence and Noemie's Opportunity
Jess Fox, a three-time Olympic gold medallist and 14-time world champion, will miss the competition due to recent surgery to remove a tumour on her kidney. This absence places even greater attention on Noemie Fox, 28, who admits to previously doubting her ability to perform at the highest level.
However, winning the first kayak cross gold at the Paris Games last year has transformed her mindset. "Winning the Olympic Games, it's changed my whole perception on what is possible," Fox told AAP. She will compete in all three disciplines - kayak, canoe, and kayak cross - against 300 international athletes.
Fox's Evolving Confidence and Perspective
"It (the Paris gold) did make me think - as cliché as it sounds - that anything is really possible, because I didn't think I was that talented," Fox added. She acknowledges that the sport's inherent inconsistency can be discouraging but now feels more confident in her abilities.
Australian Team and Competition
Noemie Fox will be joined by Kate Eckhardt in the women's categories, with Georgie O'Callaghan among the Australian debutants. In the men's events, Lucien Delfour leads the charge in the kayak and kayak cross, alongside Tim Anderson, while Ben Ross makes his debut in the canoe.
Challenges and Expectations
Fox recognizes that her sister's absence impacts Australia's medal hopes. "With Jess, we know that we would have at least won a few gold medals, and now she's not here," she said. "It will be hard... But sport is sport, and you never know what can happen." The world championships will run until October 4, marking their return to Australia after 20 years.
"Some people never get (a world championship) in our sport, and it's come at a time where I feel really competitive," Fox said, expressing gratitude for the timing and opportunity. She remembers watching athletes like Tony Estanguet at Penrith in 2005 and is excited to now be in a similar position.
Key Opponents
Great Britain's Kimberley Woods presents a significant challenge, having secured the kayak and canoe titles in the World Cup series. German paddler Ricarda Funk, a Tokyo Games gold medallist, won the women's World Cup kayak cross title.