Fantastic Fox shines with sterling silver on return to international competition

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

Fox, a New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder, qualified fourth fastest for the final with a clean run in the women’s K1 heats. In the final. Fox was on a flying run, chasing Slovenia’s Eva Alina Hocevar’s fast time (81.61) and finished only 0.13 seconds behind with an 81.74.

Fox said to finish on the podium in her first race back at the World Cups is an unbelievable feeling.

“This is probably the first time a silver medal has felt like a gold medal to me,” she said. “Just getting to the start line today 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 feels 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.”

For Fox, it was important to get back to racing and do the best she could against her international competitors.

“I’m really happy to take this silver medal, and I’m also really stoked for Eva (Alina Hocevar). She looked so happy after her run and she put down a fantastic performance.”

Racing continues at the 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup in Tacen this evening with the men’s and women’s Canoe events.

Catch live racing on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel

Paddle Australia

Photos: Romain Bruneau/Paddle Australia