Jess Fox Strikes Gold in Kayak Cross Time Trial on Opening Day in Oklahoma

Three-time Olympic gold medalist and New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) Jessica Fox has won gold in the Women’s Kayak Cross Individual Time Trial in a dream start for her 2026 ICF Slalom World Championship campaign in Oklahoma, USA. 

One year ago, Fox was preparing for surgery, and fast forward to today, she is now a World Champion in the Kayak Cross Individual Time Trial event. Starting in bib 28, Fox set down a rapid time of 51.05 seconds to which the remaining 27 paddlers had the challenge to chase her gold-medal winning time. 

Fox’s golden run surprised the World Champion herself, who was emotional and proud in victory. 

“I didn’t expect this today. Even if I didn’t expect it, I’m so amazed with the strength of mind and strength of body. There’s so much gratitude for what my body can do and for all the people who helped me get here.

“To start the World Champs this way, it’s amazing. I haven’t done a whole lot of [Kayak] Cross but I know I’ve been training well and pushing hard. To piece it altogether is really rewarding and I’m really proud,” she said.

Noemie Fox (11th) and World Championships debutant Ada Mackie (30th) both qualified through to the Women’s Kayak Cross Heats for Saturday.

In the Men’s Kayak Cross Individual Time Trial, Aussie Merle Long finished an impressive sixth is his World Championships debut in Oklahoma. 

American-born Long went down as the 15th ranked paddler in the event and crossed the line in second place. Long had a podium in sight before the top five paddlers hit the course.

“It was great. I felt fantastic leading up to the race and in training. I’ve been paddling this course since I was a baby. I’m very glad and lucky that this is my first senior debut and to finish in that sixth position, it’s still great.

“It is very self-assuring that I can finish in the top 10 at the World Championships on the same course that the 2028 LA Olympics will be at,” he said. 

Aussies Tim Anderson finished 30th to qualify for the heats on Saturday. Lucien Delfour (43rd) missed the heats by one spot. 

Great Britain’s Joseph Clarke, winner of the Men’s Kayak Cross at the World Championships in Sydney last year, took home the title for the Men’s Kayak Cross Individual Time Trial in Oklahoma. 

Day two action continues tomorrow from 12:00am AEST Wednesday 22 July featuring the K1 heats and Kayak Teams finals.