For young athletes there is often a choice between school and sport. Not for Jessica Fox. This year the teenager has not only topped her state for personal development, health and physical education in her High School exams, but she has also reached the last three in qualifying for canoe slalom for the London 2012 Olympics.

“I studied for my final school exams while juggling travel, training and competition overseas,” she said.

Two world cup event gold medals this year show Fox’s busy schedule has not affected her performance.

Though it is no surprise she has excelled on the water. Fox’s parents Richard and Myriam both competed in canoe slalom on the international stage.

“My mum won bronze in Atlanta, so I was almost born into the sport and have basically grown up by a river.”

The now former Blaxland High School student was also part of the first ever Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Singapore in 2010, taking out gold in the K-1 Slalom event.

“YOG was such an amazing experience and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it. I learnt to absorb the energy of my surroundings, and to control my emotions.”

Fox will compete early next year for the chance to be a part of London 2012. She is up against Ros and Kat Lawrence, sisters of Beijing Olympics silver medallist Jacqui.

“It would be amazing to be selected. A dream come true! I would no longer be watching it on TV in a state of awe, but would be the one on TV!”       

The Slalom Oceania Championships will take place from 24 – 26 February at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium in Sydney.

Luke Dufficy
IOC Young Reporter - Australia