Fox earns Olympic nomination

NSWIS paddler Jessica Fox has earned the right to be nominated to the 2012 Australian Olympic team after a tough weekend of racing at the 2012 Oceania Canoe Slalom Championships in Penrith.

After finishing second in the women’s K1 two weeks ago at the 2012 Australian Open, Fox finished second in the heats of the same event at the Oceania Championships on Friday to satisfy the criteria for Olympic nomination.

Fox was the top Australian paddler in two of the three qualifying races, edging out fellow NSWIS athletes Ros and Kate Lawrence, and is all but secured a place on the team headed to London.

“I’m pretty relieved right now,” Fox said after she learned the result.

“I am happy, but I really hope this is the last time that only one girl can go to the Olympics for each country.

“It’s just ridiculous that so many of us are that good that we can go, but it’s so cut throat that only one can.”

Official confirmation of Fox’s nomination will take place on Tuesday this week.