‘A huge shock’: champion paddler Fox on surgery
Steve Larkin |
Australia’s champion paddler Jessica Fox is uncertain when she will return after the “huge shock” of surgery denied her racing at a home world championships.
The three-time Olympic gold medallist had surgery to remove a tumour from a kidney late last month.
The operation ruled Fox out of the Slalom World Championships starting on Monday at her home course in Penrith.
“Obviously this has been a huge shock and a lot to digest,” Fox told reporters in Sydney on Friday.
“But once I got out of surgery and was in my recovery, it was pretty clear I wouldn’t be racing world champs.
“If I’m on that start line, I want to be ready and want to be at my best – and I had to put my health first.
“Digesting, for me, has been about processing the fact that it just wasn’t meant to be.
“But I still get to be part of it in a different way and I should enjoy it, embrace it, be grateful to be well enough to be there and supporting everyone else.”
Fox, a 14-time world championship gold medallist, didn’t know when she would race again.
“There’s not really any races coming up after this one, maybe the club Christmas race, hopefully,” she said.
“But at this stage I am just taking it slow and making sure I’m doing the right things when I build back up.
“There’s no set date yet, but in the next couple of weeks I will be back having a float on the flat water.”
The 31-year-old admitted she would have mixed feelings watching the worlds in Penrith.
“I’m feeling well, I’m recovering well, and able to be out and about and part of the team, just in a different way,” Fox said.
“It’s important for me to enjoy it and celebrate it as well, what an amazing opportunity for a home worlds.
“(But) it’s going to be tough watching the racing, I think I will have a little bit of FOMO probably.
“This time it will be interesting, I won’t have the same nerves but I will be nervous for everyone else.
“It’s going to be tough. I want to be out there, I want to be racing but I can also take a step back and appreciate it in a different way.”
Australia’s 11-strong team features Fox’s younger sister Noemie – the reigning Olympic kayak cross champion will contest all three disciplines in Penrith.
“Obviously racing the three categories – kayak, canoe, and kayak cross – it’s a big program Monday to Saturday,” Jessica said.
“She will have to manage her energy and manage going through the process for each round.
“I’m excited for her. I’m the big sister and the supporter this time, I will have a big sign and be the cheerleader.”
AAP
