Jessica Fox Undergoes Kidney Surgery, Withdraws from World Cup

Triple Olympic gold medalist Jessica Fox has successfully undergone surgery to remove a tumor from her left kidney. Following the procedure, the 31-year-old Australian athlete announced that she will not participate in the remaining canoe-kayak World Cup events scheduled for this year.

Fox, who achieved remarkable success by winning gold medals in the K1 and C1 events at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the C1 event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, shared her experience in a statement released on Thursday by Paddle Australia. “It’s been a whirlwind over the last few weeks, but I’m all good, just a couple of gnarly new scars, a bit less kidney,” Fox remarked.

Recovery and Support

Despite the stresses of the recent weeks, Fox expressed positivity about her recovery. “I’m feeling positive and looking forward to heading home, focusing on recovery, and then building towards being back on the water again,” she stated. The statement from Paddle Australia did not specify whether the tumor was cancerous, but confirmed that the surgery was successful. Although Fox experienced some post-surgery complications, she is now recovering well and remains in good spirits.

Ian Chesterman, president of the Australian Olympic Committee, acknowledged the challenges faced by Fox during this difficult time. “But the one thing we know is that Jess is an incredibly resilient person and she has faced this latest challenge with her renowned determination and fight, just as you’d expect,” Chesterman said. He expressed hope for her swift recovery and eagerness to see her return to competition.

A Legacy of Excellence

Jessica Fox is not only the first female canoe slalomist to win three Olympic gold medals, but she is also the most decorated canoeist in Olympic history, with a total of six Olympic medals to her name. As she focuses on her health and recovery, her supporters and fans eagerly anticipate her return to the sport she has dominated for years.

With her upcoming absence from the World Cup, Fox’s journey highlights the importance of health and recovery in the face of athletic challenges. As she takes the necessary time to heal, the international canoeing community will undoubtedly rally behind her, celebrating her achievements and resilience.