Jessica Fox wins kayak/canoe double gold

By AAP September 22, 2014
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Australian Jessica Fox has smashed a new paddling record at the white water World Championships in the US

AUSTRALIA’S JESSICA FOX has completed an historic world championship double after winning the K1 canoe slalom final at Deep Creek in the United States.

The victory on Sunday ensured she became the first female paddler in history to win the K1/C1 double at a world championship – after she had defended her C1 title just 24 hours prior.

The 20-year-old had to cut an extra four seconds from her semi-final team to beat Britain’s Fiona Penny, and managed to do that and more – finishing without penalty in 114.01 seconds, 0.96 seconds faster than Penny, while Germany’s Pfeifer finished third.

“To win the double, to win both my events, it couldn’t have gone better,” Fox said.

Paddling in her blood

Fox’s parents Richard and Miriam, who both won world titles in the US 25 years ago, were on hand to celebrate with her after she screamed for joy having crossed the finish line.

“And to do it 25 years after my parents both won their world championships in the United States is really special.

“I think we’ll all be cherishing that.”

Earlier this year Fox won both the C1 and K1 titles at the under-23 world championships in Penrith.

“It was a big build up this season, I made all the finals of the world cups but never managed to put it together in a final,” said Jessica, who won the Olympic silver medal in London.

“To win is unbelievable. I knew if I went out there and had the speed I had this morning and fixed up a few of my mistakes I could challenge the lead and maybe even win a medal.”