Why Aussie Olympic gold medalist Jessica Fox won’t compete with her sister at Paris Games

Jessica Fox’s dreams of competing with her sister at the 2024 Paris Olympics have been dealt a crushing blow.

It follows recent changes from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in relation to the qualification process, which could see Noemie Fox forced to give up her spot for her older sibling, who famously won gold at the Tokyo Games in the Women’s C1 Canoe Slalom final.

The sisters are poised to compete in separate categories – closed canoe (C1) and kayak (K1) – but could cross over.

Jess, 29, is a world champion in both disciplines and the new rule from the IOC could end the dreams of Noemie, 26, who is yet to make her Olympic debut.

She is a talented athlete in her own right, winning gold at the 2019 world championships in Spain.

In Paris, Jess is widely tipped to compete in both the C1 and K1 events – but the new rules put in place by the IOC dictate that any competitor who has qualified in the C1 then has to sit out qualifying for the kayak event.

It follows recent changes from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in relation to the qualification process, which could see Noemie Fox forced to give up her spot for her older sibling (the sisters are pictured together, above)

For Jess to race for gold in the K1 event in Paris, she will need another Aussie – predicted to be her sibling – to earn a quota spot.

In essence it means competitors will try to qualify the boat for the event, as opposed to themselves.

The decision will be left Paddle Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee to decide what athlete will compete in which of the two categories.

Given Jess’ heroics in Tokyo, she is likely to get the nod – at the expense of her sister. 

Paddle Australia national performance director Kim Crane conceded it is a ‘really difficult’ situation.

‘It’s no different in the sense the two girls are always competing, essentially, competing under the umbrella for Australia, but they’re actually lining up as individual athletes against each other,’ she told Seven Sport.

‘That’s the beauty of their relationship is they are supportive of each other but at the same time know they’re out to challenge each other to be the best they can be as individual athletes. 

‘But there’s no doubt it’s difficult. ‘In a normal team environment it’s difficult, but when you’re battling against your sister it’s really difficult.’