Olympic great undergoes surgery after tumour diagnosis
Melissa Woods |
Triple Olympic kayak champion Jessica Fox has had a cancer scare, undergoing surgery to remove a tumour from her kidney.
The 31-year-old, who won two of her three gold medals in Paris in 2024, is recovering at her Sydney home after post-surgery complications.
Fox will miss two upcoming World Cup events in Europe as she recovers, hopeful of returning for the world championships on her home course in Penrith, which get under way on September 29.
“It’s been a whirlwind over the last few weeks, but I’m all good – just a couple of gnarly new scars, a bit less kidney, and a whole lot more toughness!” Fox said in her statement.
“I’m feeling positive and looking forward to heading home, focusing on recovery, and then building towards being back on the water again.”
Fox has won six Olympic medals to make her the most decorated canoe slalom paddler, male or female, in Games history.
Australian Olympic Committee president Ian Chesterman wished Fox well.
“It has been a difficult time for Jess, her family and for her support crew, but the one thing we know is that Jess is an incredibly resilient person and she has faced this latest challenge with her renowned determination and fight, just as you’d expect,” Chesterman said.
“Through her incredible efforts in sport and the many other projects where she is making a difference, Jess has impacted on the lives of so many, not just in Australia but across the world.
“I know that all those people will now be cheering for her to make a full and speedy recovery and are looking forward to seeing her back on the water.
“Jess is an extraordinary person and a true inspiration. For now, she needs to concentrate on getting better, and then we can’t wait to see her back in action.”
AAP
