geoff.berkeley
31 Juillet 2024

As Australian slalom superstar Jessica Fox continues to take this year’s Olympics by storm, China’s Juan Huang is studying her every move. 

Fox backed up her women’s kayak success on Sunday by capturing the women’s canoe title at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium. 

It is Fox’s sixth Olympic medal and third gold in her glittering career, underlining the 30-year-old’s dominance in the sport. 

Fox is also now the most successful Canoe Slalom paddler in Olympic history. 

For Huang, it is just a privilege to be in the presence of the 10-time individual world champion. 

Huang is making her Olympic debut in Paris and trying to soak up every moment including competing alongside Fox. 

The 21-year-old, who started paddling at the age of 11, is a great admiring of Fox’s drive and technique. 

“My idol is Jessica Fox from Australia and I’m very honoured and happy to have the chance to race with her,” said Huang. 

“My English is very low (level) but every day I study English so it’s very basic conversation [with Jess]. 

Jessica Fox canoe slalom Paris 2024 Olympics gold 3

“I don’t really have too much chance to meet her but I see her paddle and I’m really excited to just see her there. 

“I do (want be like her).  

“She is very focused and very dedicated on what she is doing.  

“Her moving is very balance.” 

Huang has enjoyed a strong International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup campaign, reaching the C1 final for the first time in Krakow in June. 

She competed at the Olympics for the first time on Tuesday, posting 108.47 for a place 14th in the heats. 

Today saw Huang finish 16th in the semi-finals. 

“I’m really enjoying the Games and all the races,” said Huang.  

“I’m just enjoying the process of the all experience and I do not really care about the ranking as the process is more important than the results for me.” 

Canoe Slalom
Kayak Cross
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