Sixteen-year-old Jessica Fox has won gold on the water in the K1 obstacle canoe slalom event.  

Fox went into the race as the favourite and in front of her family and a crowd of supporters, did not disappoint. 

“I am really happy with the result,” Fox said as she got off the water.  

“It was a good race. I was a bit tired at the end but gave it everything and came away with the gold.” 

Backing up from a long day of qualification races the day before and competing in two races prior to the final, Fox dug in deep. 

“I kept a bit of juice in the tank during the semi-final,” she said. “I tried to recover as best I could during the 20 minute gap before the final.”

 The Blaxland High School student led from the start and maintained a good lead throughout the race. She won the gold in a time of 1:33.64, beating Pavlina Zasterova of Czecoslavika by 7.45 seconds.  

“I went out hard and knew at the half way mark I was ahead. From then on I just tried to maintain my lead.” 

The race was not without challenges, with Fox starting from lane two when she had been starting from lane one all day. 

“Every race I have been put in lane one and they put me in lane two for the gold medal round. I had to keep my start in check.” 

Fox has had a wonderful time at the games both in her competition and at the village.  

“I am satisfied with my competition. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect but I have achieved my goals.  

“I have really enjoyed myself. Living in the village with the Australian team has been so much fun. It has been a great atmosphere.” 

Earlier in the afternoon, Scott Smith competed in round 4 of the K1 obstacle canoe slalom. Smith was outclassed by Slovakian Miroslav Urban, who beat him by 7.55 seconds. 

“I didn’t have the best race. But even if I competed better, I still think he would have beaten me,” Smith said.  

Smith will not go away empty handed, having learned much from the Youth Olympics, his first international competition.  

“The experience has been amazing and will certainly stand me in good stead for junior worlds next year.” 

Frances Cordaro

AOC