Jessica Fox has been announced as one of the flagbearers for Australia at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.
Fox will be joined by hockey veteran Eddie Ockenden in the scenic parade of athletes on the River Seine on July 26.
She spoke to the International Canoe Federation on why Paris 2024 will be a special Olympics for her, with her sister Noemie Fox set for her Games debut.
Born in Marseille before later moving to Penrith in Australia, she also touched upon her family’s French connection. Her mother and coach Myriam Fox-Jerusalmi competed and won a bronze at Atlanta 1996 for France.
Being the flagbearer will be another amazing achievement for the 30-year-old who will become the second paddler to carry the Australian flag following the late Dennis Green who had the honour at Munich 1972.
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“I am proud to follow in the steps of so many great Australians who have carried the flag,” she told the Australia Olympic Committee.
“The Olympic Games bring us together as sports, as athletes and as a nation. And of course I am immensely proud to represent Australia in the country of my birth.
“I’m so proud to be part of this team. It is one of the greatest moments of my career to be named Flag Bearer and to have the opportunity to present us to Paris & the world by leading us out in the opening ceremony.
“This is my fourth Games, and I am lucky to be competing in three events.
“My first race is the heats the afternoon after the Opening Ceremony, so I’ll get a sleep in.
“I feel this is such an honour and opportunity, that I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
“I am used to a busy schedule with racing and have worked with our team to make sure I’m as best prepared as I can be for this and have a plan in place to ensure I can be ready the next day and Anna and the AOC have been amazing as well to support that.
“It’s so exciting and of course the fact that we will be on water makes it even more attractive to me.
“I think using the iconic River Seine in the heart of Paris will make this a spectacular and memorable opening ceremony. It’s original and it’s innovative, and I can’t wait!”
Fox is a four-time Olympic medallist, including winning the C1 gold at Tokyo 2020 before adding a K1 bronze.
She also won K1 silver at London 2012 and has another K1 bronze from Rio 2016.
The Australian has 22 medals at the World Championships, including 14 gold.
At Paris 2024, she will compete in all Canoe Slalom events while her sister Noemie will compete in the kayak cross that will make its Olympic debut.
Picture by Australian Olympic Committee.
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