Fox out of water: Jess’ golden touch

Kayaker Jessica Fox arrived at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games as part of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, but she quickly became something much more for Australia’s winter athletes: a mentor, a supporter, a sounding board and, in some unforgettable cases, the person placing an Olympic medal around their neck.

Embracing her first Winter Olympics, Fox threw herself into Winter sport life. The six‑time Olympic canoe slalom medallist performed official duties at venues and in the Athletes’ Village, but she went above and beyond for the Aussies to attend training sessions, sharing meals and offering guidance only an Olympic champion could.

“It’s been an incredible experience,” she said. “I jumped around between the snow park and the moguls trying to see as many events as possible. The vibe in Livigno is so special and the town is pumping with Aussies,” Fox said.

For Dual Moguls champion Jakara Anthony, Fox’s presence became pivotal during one of the toughest moments of her Olympic career. The two had connected the previous year while Anthony was spending a summer at home in Australia, recovering from injury.

“When I was home injured last year, I went up and watched Jess and Noemie race in Penrith,” Anthony said. “I got to have some really good chats with Jess and talk about a few experiences we’ve had that are pretty similar.”

So, when Anthony’s Singles Moguls final didn’t go the way she’d hoped, Fox understood exactly what Anthony was facing. Fox had entered the Tokyo Olympics as the unassailable favourite in the K1 event. She was the fastest qualifier and therefore last person to race in the final and missed the gold. While Fox grabbed bronze to Anthony’s eighth place in the final, with all eyes on her and another event to come, it was eerily similar.

“She’s been in that exact same position before,” Anthony said. “There’s not many people that have been in that position and can kind of understand and give advice.”

Fox said she simply wanted Anthony to feel supported. Both women went on to win gold in their second event. 

“I wanted her to know I was there for her after her singles event,” Fox said. “I knew exactly how she was feeling… coming in as favourite and not performing how you wanted to and then trying to refocus and put down a good race to win.

“I think I told her something like ‘breathe in the confidence and let go of the fear and doubt; it’s all within you, you have to believe and you get another crack’.”

Two days later, Anthony stormed back to win gold in Dual Moguls, and Fox made sure she didn’t miss it, delaying her flight to be there for the event.

“Seeing her pull through and refocus after the disappointment, I was really proud of her because I know how hard that is to do,” Fox said. “She created history. It was a huge honour and privilege to be there.”

Anthony agreed: “Being able to turn it around and come out and perform the way I did, and then to have her there to congratulate me, that was very special.”

Fox also presented Cooper Woods with his Men’s Single Moguls gold medal, a moment that caught the new champion off guard.

“She started tearing up a little bit and I was just like, ‘Oh my god, is this Jess Fox?’” Woods laughed.

“What an amazing honour to receive my gold medal from another fellow champion, she’s an Aussie icon. It brought a lot of significance to the moment.”

Fox said the moment hit her just as strongly.

“Cooper’s emotion and energy was infectious,” she said. “I broke protocol giving him a hug on the podium, but it felt like the right thing to do.

“To be an Australian Olympic Champion presenting a gold medal and celebrating our newest Olympic champion is something I’ll forever remember and cherish as one of the greatest honours in my sporting career.”

Fox said one of the more challenging medal presentations was the Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe, in which Scotty James won Olympic silver, but it was clear to Fox how much he wanted the gold.

“Presenting to Scotty was also very special, but it felt different,” she said.

“I could feel his disappointment… and it’s heartbreaking to see him feel those emotions and having to process it so publicly and on the podium – I’ve been in that position before.

“I think he was raw and gracious and it made everyone love him even more. When I shook his hand, I told him how proud we are of him and how much we love him.”

Earlier that day Fox was one of the first to congratulate newly crowned Snowboard Cross Champion, Josie Baff. Fox even filmed the medal ceremony for Baff’s mum so she could take it all in. 

Having visited the Olympic Village in Milan and Livigno, Fox immersed herself in the Australian winter sports community – attending events, chatting with families, and cheering on debutants.

“I’m the biggest fan of our winter athletes and how tough and brave they are to do what they do. They’re down to earth, proud and hardworking… and the Aussie energy is amazing.”

Fox is one of just two Australians who are members of the International Olympic Committee – alongside AOC President, Ian Chesterman AM. 

Australian Olympic Committee