Jess Fox claims gold in Prague as remarkable comeback continues

Just one week after her return to international competition, three-time Olympic champion Jess Fox showcased her class on the challenging Troja course to claim gold in the women’s kayak event.

After marking her return with a silver medal in Tacen, Slovenia last week, Fox went one better in Prague, delivering a sensational run of 108.84 to secure the top step of the podium.

“It’s unbelievable, I’m so happy, so proud, so grateful for all the support and all the cheers,” said Fox, a New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder. “It’s always a pleasure to race here, so to come out on top is a dream.

“It’s an achievement to just be on the startline again, to feel the nerves and the energy of racing and be back with the community that I love so much.

“To make the final was a goal, to get on a podium was a bonus last week and to back it up here and go one better is amazing, so I am so grateful for everyone who has helped me get here.”

The Prague course proved challenging, with many paddlers encountering difficulties at gates 12 and 17. Poland’s Klaudia Zwolinska navigated the demanding sections to post a time of 111.30 to secure silver, but Fox’s masterclass performance proved unbeatable.

Racing continues at the 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup in Prague this evening with the men’s and women’s Canoe events. Click here for the schedule and results. Catch live racing on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.

Paddle Australia

Photos: Romain Bruneau/Paddle Australia