Paddle Australia’s canoe slalom star Jessica Fox and mother Myriam have completed an historic season of competition by taking out the prestigious female athlete and coach of the year titles respectively at the 2018 NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) Awards at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday evening.
Fox, already a two-time Olympic medallist, this year became the greatest individual paddler in the history of canoe slalom after winning the C1/K1 World Championship double in early October.
“I’m so humbled, there’s been some amazing performances by the girls this year at NSWIS”, Fox said, still in disbelief over her recent success.
“I still really can’t believe it. I was just happy to be there and enjoy myself on the water and I think once I was able to express myself, the results came and I just kept the ball rolling.”
It was this success, which also heavily contributed to mother Myriam being named the Southern Design Coach of the Year with Fox paying tribute to her mother.
“I’m really proud of her”, she continued. “She’s such a hardworking, passionate, driven and resourceful person and she’s had a massive influence on my career, my sister’s and our team.”
Noemie and Jessica Fox received the award on behalf of their mother.
Jessica Fox was also a finalist for the Ian Thorpe OAM Outstanding Achievement Presented by Ryde Toyota, while her sister Noemie Fox was a finalist for the University of Sydney Academic Excellence award. Sprint paddler Kailey Harlen was a finalist for the ClubsNSW Personal Excellence
The night was hosted by former NSWIS sprinter Matt Shirvington, celebrating the wide-ranging achievements across the state’s elite sporting community.
