Jessica Fox in action earlier this year – photo courtesy of Caromoda Photography / Paddle Australia
AUSTRALIA’S Canoe Slalom National Team have arrived in Augsburg, Germany for the 2022 ICF Canoe and Extreme Slalom World Championships.
Nine athletes will represent Australia at this year’s World Championships, which marks 50 years since the sport made its Olympic debut at the same venue in 1972.
The team will be led by 11-time senior World Champion and four-time Olympic medallist Jessica Fox, coming into Augsburg with three K1 World Cup gold medals from the three opening World Cup events of the season.
Fox said her opening World Cup results have her feeling confident heading into the World Championships, but she’s looking to improve on her Canoe and Extreme results.
“It’s been a good start to the season with the first three world cups, especially in kayak I couldn’t wish for a better start,” the 28-year-old said.
“I’m learning and tweaking things for the canoe and extreme and looking forward to racing in Augsburg.
“Usually the World Championships are after the World Cup series but this year it’s in the middle of the season which is a bit different, so hopefully we are fresh and ready!”
Fox said she’s familiar with the Augsburg venue, which is an advantage, but she also knows how challenging it can be.
“We come most years to Augsburg, even for a few days, because it’s a great place to train, so I know Augsburg is a very tricky and specific
course.
“It’s a unique venue and the key focus is to use the water as much as possible. You need to constantly adapt to this course and I think I’m pretty adaptable.
“The Germans are very strong on their home course and you can see they know the ins and outs of the turbulent currents, so I’m looking forward to watching them and learning.”
The 2022 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships will run 27 – 31 July in Augsburg, Germany.
The event schedule is available at www.canoeicf.com/canoe-slalom-world-championships/augsburg-2022/schedule and the results at www.canoeicf.com/canoe-slalom-world-championships/augsburg-2022/results The World Championships will be streamed live at
www.youtube.com/c/PlanetCanoe/featured.
Paddle Australia Canoe Slalom World Championships Team
WOMEN: Jessica Fox – K1, C1, Extreme Slalom (NSW); Noemie Fox – K1, C1, Extreme Slalom (NSW), Kate Eckhardt – K1, C1, Extreme Slalom (TAS)
MEN: Lucien Delfour – K1, Extreme Slalom (NSW), Tim Anderson – K1, Extreme Slalom (NSW), Ben Pope – K1, Extreme Slalom (NSW), Tristan Carter – C1, Extreme Slalom (VIC), Kaylen Bassett – C1, Extreme Slalom (NSW), Brodie Crawford – C1, Extreme Slalom (WA)
