THE most popular family in Penrith have been honoured this week – the fabulous Fox family!  

“You might know Jess and Noemie Fox – the sisters who brought home three Olympic gold medals this year – but their family’s legacy runs deep. Their parents, Richard and Myriam, are both multi-world canoe slalom champions,” said Deputy Leader Prue Car, Member for Londonderry. 

The island at the heart of Penrith Whitewater Stadium has been named Fox Island in their honour. This is a recognition of many years of achievement and service to our local community. 

“You’ve all done Western Sydney, and the whole country, proud,” Ms Car said.

Premier Chris Minns said Richard’s involvement in a worldwide campaign to prevent canoeing from being axed from the 2000 Sydney Olympics led to the construction of the Penrith Whitewater stadium.

“And it’s at that stadium that Myriam coaches her daughters and other Aussie canoeists to international success,” the Premier said. 

“So, it’s only fitting that the stadium is home to Fox Island.

“We couldn’t be prouder to call you all part of the NSW community.”

This week the Premier, Steve Kamper and Anika Wells MP, jumped in with Jessica Fox  and Noemie Fox to have a crack at the circuit. 

“The Fox sisters really make the whole Canoe Slalom thing look a lot easier than it is,” Mr Minns said. 

“After a couple of goes around the track I know my limitations, and I think I’ll leave it to the experts.

“A large part of Australia’s most successful Olympics performance in history came down to two girls from Penrith who honed their skills through countless hours on the rapids here at Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

“And I reckon in 10 years time we’ll be seeing the next generation of canoe and kayak world champions that were inspired by what they see in Penrith next year.”