Australia’s new kayaking queen, Jessica Fox, did her country proud on Friday afternoon when she carried the Olympic Flame for part of its journey to the Opening Ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.

Fox carried the torch over 200m along Henderson Road in Singapore’s heat and humidity.

Luckily for Fox, her training kicked in and the distance didn’t seem to curb her excitement or enthusiasm.

“I’m really excited to run with the torch, we’ve been driving up a long way and there were so many schools and buses with people cheering so yeah, I’ve been really excited for the torch run,” Fox said.

It was a long week for Fox. After travelling to Singapore from Europe where she claimed a world title, Fox had to adjust to a new time zone and make the most of vastly different conditions to be ready for the YOG.

But with her mum and coach, Myriam Fox cheering from the side of the road, the Blaxland High School student didn’t put a foot wrong in passing on the torch.

Fox said although she wasn’t sure what the task would involve, the lead up process had been humbling.

“I found out over email as I was overseas at the time and I wasn’t too sure what it was all about, but once I found out it was for the torch relay I was really excited and honoured,” she said.

“To run in the relay is a great honour, it’s something I won’t forget.”

Following the run, Fox and the other participants were given torches of their own to take home and keep as reminders of their time in Singapore.

Fox will compete in the sprint and her pet event – the slalom – from Saturday, August 12.

Elliot Woods

AOC