Jess Fox OAM – 2026 NSWIS Outstanding Achievement Award.

TRIPLE Olympic gold medallist Jess Fox OAM (Leonay) received the Ian Thorpe AM Outstanding Achievement Award, presented by Powerade, at the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) Awards, for the courage and determination she demonstrated following surgery for a kidney tumour. The operation, which included a collapsed lung and five days in intensive care, forced her to miss half the 2025 international canoe slalom season.

After nine months of recovery, Jess made an immediate impact on her return, winning five World Cup gold medals and three world championship titles.

Jess was one of five NSW athletes to received\ prestigious awards for achievements at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and World Championships.

Jess Fox OAM. Photos: Noel Rowsell and NSWIS

NSWIS CEO Kirsten Thomson OLY said the awards showcased the depth of sporting talent in NSW, with 20 athletes, six coaches and one NSWIS staff member named as finalists.

“NSWIS athletes have excelled on the world stage, and by doing so they have made Australians proud and inspired the next generation to pursue their dreams,” Ms Thomson said.

“Every recipient and finalist is world class, and it was exciting to celebrate both their achievements and the role NSWIS’ support played in their success. The presence of Institute alumni made the evening even more meaningful, as NSWIS marked its 30th anniversary.”

CONGRATULATIONS to the Australian team in the recent Ocean Racing World Championships in Spain, which finished a very creditable third on the medal table.

A stand-out performance was Hawkesbury Canoe Classic legend, Grant Hughes, who claimed Gold in the SS1 Master 70-74 Men.

Grant and fellow K4 paddlers, Cameron Tunbridge, Brett Worth and Garry Byrne, hold the ‘fastest ever’ time for the Hawkesbury Classic of 7 hrs 11 min 07 secs, set 41 years ago in 1985.

Grant also won Silver with Steven Coulter in the SS2 Master 130-139 Men.