Ten seconds was all that separated dual Olympic medalist Jessica Fox and her younger sister Noemie in the C1 (single canoe) final of the canoe slalom Australian Open in Penrith over the weekend.
Noemie’s second placing to her sister has earned her a spot on the Australian C1 team for 2017 World Cup events, and she will make her World Championship debut in France in October.
Jessica had already qualified for the Australian team in both C1 and K1 (single kayak) after winning both events at the Oceania Championships on January 30.
While enjoying the sibling rivalry, she admits she must watch her improving sister.
“We’re sisters, but we’re also competitors on the start line, so each does their best,” Jessica, a former Blaxland High student said.
“I know I have to watch my back a little bit, that maybe she’s watching me more closely now. But it’s a good competitive rivalry that we have, and we have a great relationship.
“We train together, and we support each other on the water as well. I think her improving is only going to be better for me as well.”
Jessica also won the women’s K1 final at the Australian Open, six seconds ahead of Czech champion Katerina Kudejova, with Olympic silver medalist, Luuka Jones of New Zealand, almost a minute further back in third.
Meanwhile, Lapstone Olympian Ian Borrows was eighth in the men’s C1, missing the final, but had done enough to make the Australian team.