AFTER nine months off the rapids at an international level, Jessica Fox OAM returned to the world stage in impressive style, winning the silver medal in the women’s K1 final at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup in Tacen, Slovenia.

Jess and Tristan Carter were the only Australians to qualify for Finals, with Jess in Women’s Kayak and Tristan in Men’s Canoe.

Jess qualified fourth-fastest for the WK1 Final with a clean run in the heats, then put in a flying run in the Final to finish 0.13 seconds behind Slovenia’s Eva Alina Hocevar.

Jess said to finish on the podium in her first race back at the World Cups was an unbelievable feeling. “This is probably the first time a silver medal has felt like a gold medal to me.

“Just getting to the start line today (Friday night Australian time) was the biggest challenge. To put down two solid runs – they weren’t perfect, but they were good enough – and make the Final made me really happy.

“Then to back it up with another good run in the Final felt amazing. I lost a little bit of time in a couple of gates, but honestly, I can’t complain. “It’s my first race back. It’s just wonderful to be back racing and to start this way.”

Tristan finished ninth in the MC1 Final.