Jess Fox – KX Time Trial Action 2026 Worlds.
JESSICA Fox OAM has completed a comeback story for the ages, claiming her fifth women’s Kayak (WK1) title in Oklahoma at the 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships.
After being unable to defend her 2023 K1 World Championship title on home soil last year, Jess started sixth in the 12-woman field, putting down a fast run on the LA 2028 Olympic course to apply intense pressure on the faster qualifiers, who all failed to better her time.
The win was Jess’ third Gold medal of the Championships, having already won the Kayak Cross Individual Time Trial on Day One, then joining sister Noemie Fox OAM and Kate Eckhardt to win the WK1 Teams event on Day Two.
“It’s emotional, I can’t believe it,” Jess said. “I was so nervous today and once I made the (WK1) Final, I wanted to try and get out there, enjoy it and give it my best shot. I’m so proud of my race.
“It was a really good run and to share the podium with Kim (Woods) and Evy (Leibfarth) is really special as well. I can’t believe it.”.
Jess’ inspiring 12 month journey from kidney surgery to once again dominating the whitewater event continues to add to her phenomenal legacy in paddle sport.
“I’m just really proud today to push myself in those uncomfortable moments of pressure and nerves and to be able to deliver and win another world title. I just can’t believe it.
“I’m so full of gratitude, and joy, and emotion, and thankful to everyone who has helped me. It takes a village to get you from the hospital bed to just back in a boat,” she said.
Noemie Fox left it until the final day to add to Australia’s medal tally, winning Silver in the Women’s Kayak Cross.
The result is Noemie’s first individual World Championship medal, and after a heartbreaking 2025 season, she said this moment is as good as gold.
“Honestly, this feels like gold. It’s just been such a huge life lesson for me to never give up and to arrive as fresh as possible.
“This week has had so many ups and downs – moments of joy in winning the [women’s] Kayak
Teams and then individual slalom results I wasn’t proud of. I feel like that ‘why not you’ mentality really kicked in.
“This means a lot. I’m really proud of the way I’ve bounced back this week,” she said.
AUSTRALIAN MEDALS: Jess Fox – Gold medal in Women’s Kayak Cross Individual Time Trial, Gold in Women’s Kayak Teams, Gold in Women’s Kayak (WK1); Noemie Fox – Gold in Women’s Kayak Teams, Silver in Women’s Kayak Cross; Kate Eckhardt – Gold in Women’s Kayak Teams.
