Jess and Noemie Fox: How Australian sister act swept Paris Games in complete domination
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Two young girls destined for glory
"From little things, big things grow" - that was the simple caption by the Australian Olympic Team when it shared this photo of teeny tiny sisters Jess and Noemie Fox to celebrate the fact they would both be competing at Paris 2024.
Born to parents who had their own success as canoeists — Myriam Fox-Jerusalmi who won bronze for France in 1996 and Richard Fox who competed for Great Britain in 1992 — the sisters were always destined for sporting greatness.
Jess starts Olympics hype
The excitement for Paris 2024 started early, particularly for Jess who had already won gold for Australia in the C1 at Tokyo 2020.
Here she poses with a novelty-sized Qantas boarding pass on November 6, 2023 in Sydney, as hype builds for Paris.
Sister act ready for Paris
On June 10, 2024 the dream for the sisters to both compete at the same Games came true.
"Paris together 🥹🤩 SHE DID IT!" Jess posted on Instagram at the time.
Here the sisters pose after an Australian Olympic Team press conference in Paris on July 21.
Foxes face the media, ready for action
The older sister by three years, Jess watches proudly as Noemie speaks at the press conference.
Jess given big honour
Days out from the Games, and Jess is announced as a dual flag bearer for Australia alongside Eddie Ockenden.
Leading Aussies into the Games
And then the big day finally came! Rain bucketed down on the opening ceremony but nothing could wipe the smiles from the faces of the Australian team as they rode on a boat on the River Seine, an untraditional way to welcome athletes to the Games in Paris.
First event begins
Jess began her first competition on July 27, competing here in the women's kayak single heats in Vaires-sur-Marne.
Jess' focus clear from the start
Expectations started high for Jess ... and she didn't disappoint.
In control from the jump
The gold medal favourite was in fine form, dominating every run in a tense competition.
Fingers crossed she's done enough
As she crossed the finish line in the final of the kayak single competition she knew she was in with a chance at gold - but there was a nervous wait to see how her closest competitors would perform.
