Jessica Fox withdraws from ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships

Jessica Fox confirmed that following recent surgery to remove a tumour on her kidney, she will be withdrawing from the Australian team for upcoming Slalom World Championships being held in Penrith from 29 September – 4 October 2025.

Fox, who underwent surgery just four weeks ago, is focused on her recovery which is going well but requires more time as part of that process.

Fox posted on social media she was “absolutely devastated”.

“For the first time in 15 years, I won’t be on the startline at the world championships. Unfortunately, I just won’t be ready in time. I need to put my health and recovery first after surgery,” Fox, a 14-time world champion and triple Olympic gold medallist, wrote.

“I’m absolutely devastated to be missing this one — a world championships on my home course where I first watched my heroes at the Sydney Olympics, saw the first Aussie world title by Rob Bell in 2005, the course where I’ve grown up and learnt to paddle, trained every day to be the best.

“A home worlds is a once in a career opportunity and I was so excited and looking forward to it.”

Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane, said while Jess, a New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder will be missed as part of the Australian team line up, she has the full support of the entire paddling community.

“Jess’s health and recovery is the only thing that matters right now, and she has our full support,” she said.

“Jess’s courage, resilience and ability to make sense of life’s most challenging moments with a positive mindset and a splash of humor, are some of the things all Australians admire most and are inspired by and we believe that by prioritising her recovery there’s a greater chance she’ll be back on the water in the near future.”

“While naturally we’re disappointed for Jess and the fans that won’t have the chance to see her compete at the home soil World Championships, she’ll be in amongst her Australian Team mates, cheering and supporting them, spending time with international friends, and engaging with the paddle community; so we all look forward to seeing her in Penrith for the event.

“The Slalom World Championships are going to be a must attend event for fans and sport lovers, with Olympic gold medalist Noemie Fox and fellow Olympians Tim Anderson, Tristan Carter and Lucien Delfour headlining the Australian team assault.

The Slalom World Championships will be held at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, legacy venue from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, from 29 September – 4 October. 

For full event details visit www.sydney2025.com/ 

Australian Team 

Tim Anderson (NSWIS) – Men’s Kayak, Men’s Kayak Cross 

Kaylen Bassett (NSWIS) – Men’s Canoe 

Tristan Carter (VIC) – Men’s Canoe 

Lucien Delfour (NSWIS) – Men’s Kayak, Men’s Kayak Cross 

Kate Eckhardt (TAS) – Women’s Kayak, Women’s Canoe 

Noemie Fox (NSWIS) – Women’s Kayak, Women’s Canoe, Women’s Kayak Cross 

Ben Pope (WA) – Men’s Kayak, Men’s Kayak Cross 

Georgie O’Callaghan (VIC) – Women’s Kayak Cross 

Ben Ross (VIC) – Men’s Canoe 

Paddle Australia & Jess Fox (via Instagram)