Jessica Fox reigns supreme to enjoy belated birthday bash

New South Wales Institute of Sport scholarship athlete Jessica Fox has continued her dominant run in the Women’s Canoe discipline to claim gold at the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup 2 event in Pau, France.

Fox has now secured three world cup wins in a row for the event, continuing the form she displayed to triumph in La Seu, Spain last weekend.

The 31-year-old, who celebrated her birthday earlier in the week, qualified fifth fastest at the completion of the heats on Day Two at Pau-Pyrenees Whitewater Stadium.

After her commanding performance in the final, Fox said she was surprised with her time after encountering a penalty in the early stages of her run.

“I didn’t expect it would be that good because I had a penalty. But it felt really powerful, and I gave it everything,” said Fox. “My arms are pounding right now, but really proud and so happy.”

After her disappointment in the Women’s Kayak event, Fox leaned on her experience, displaying her renowned champion’s qualities to bounce back to form on Day Two.

“It’s always a challenge to come back, to refocus and to find your energy after a disappointment mentally and physically,” she said. “I’m really happy to be able to do that and always learning.”

Earlier on Day Two, Australia’s Tristan Carter and NSWIS athlete Kaylen Bassett qualified for the Men’s Canoe Final. Both falling short of the podium standings to finish ninth and 12th respectively.

Pau is the second stop in the five-event World Cup series, with the season culminating on home turf at the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships in Penrith.

The finals of the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup will broadcast LIVE on Fox Sports Australia and Kayo Sports from 11:15pm AEST.

Story: Paddle Australia

Photos: Romain Bruneau/PaddleAustralia