Jessica Fox, the indomitable force of Australian canoe slalom, has revealed she is recovering from surgery after a whirlwind few weeks that have left the global sporting community both shocked and inspired. The three-time Olympic gold medalist and six-time Olympic medallist underwent a successful procedure last week to remove a tumor from her left kidney, a development she shared with fans and the broader sports world on August 28, 2025.
Fox, who turned 31 this year, made the announcement via Instagram and through official statements, expressing gratitude for the medical team that cared for her and for the unwavering support of her family, friends, and the wider paddling community. "Last week I had surgery to remove a tumour from my kidney. The surgery went really well and I’m on the mend," Fox wrote, adding, "It’s been a whirlwind over the last few weeks, but I’m all good – just a couple of gnarly new scars, a bit less kidney, and a whole lot more toughness."
The news comes as a significant shock to fans and fellow athletes alike, especially given Fox’s recent activity. Just days prior to her announcement, Fox had posted photos and videos of herself training and bushwalking, looking every bit the picture of health and determination. It’s a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change, even for the world’s elite athletes.
Fox’s surgery, performed by Dr. Mohan Arianayagam and his team, was declared a success, although she did experience some post-surgery complications. She was quick to praise the medical professionals involved in her care, stating, "I’m super grateful to the incredible medical staff for their care and expertise – thank you Dr Mohan Arianayagam and his team, and Dr Stephen Nolan, Dr Parrapil, the amazing nurses and physios at Norwest, Dr Scott Reid, my physio Tony and psych Chris, and our Paddle Aus team for their support."
Despite the positive outcome, Fox will not be competing in the remaining canoe-kayak World Cup events in Europe, nor will she participate in the highly anticipated International Canoe Federation Slalom World Championships scheduled to take place in Penrith from September 29 to October 4, 2025. It’s a tough blow for both Fox and her legion of supporters, especially as the World Championships were set to take place near her childhood home in western Sydney, a location steeped in personal and professional significance.
Fox acknowledged the disappointment but remained upbeat about her recovery and future. "Looking forward to taking it easy over the next few weeks as I recover, and building towards being back on the water again," she shared. Her trademark resilience shone through as she reflected on her journey: "I’m feeling positive, super grateful and happy to be home."
The Australian Olympic Committee president, Ian Chesterman, spoke for many when he lauded Fox’s tenacity. “But the one thing we know is that Jess is an incredibly resilient person and she has faced this latest challenge with her renowned determination and fight, just as you’d expect,” Chesterman remarked. “We will now be cheering for her to make a full and speedy recovery and are looking forward to seeing her back on the water.”
Fox’s career is nothing short of legendary. She is the first female canoe slalomist to win three Olympic gold medals and, with a total of six Olympic medals, stands as the most decorated athlete in the sport—male or female. Her haul includes golds in the K1 and C1 races at the Paris 2024 Olympics and the C1 at the Tokyo 2021 Games. She has also amassed a staggering 22 medals at the Slalom World Championships, including 14 golds, further cementing her status as one of the greatest female paddlers of all time.
Her family’s paddling pedigree is equally impressive. Fox’s mother, Myriam Fox-Jerusalmi, claimed Olympic bronze for France in 1996, while her father, Richard Fox, is a five-time world champion who represented Great Britain at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Richard even had the rare privilege of providing live commentary for Jess’s gold medal triumph in the K1 final at the Paris Games, a moment that resonated deeply with fans and family alike.
This year, Fox has faced her share of competitive challenges. She experienced a form slump in early 2025, missing the K1 finals at the opening World Cup events in Europe. In La Seu, Spain, she finished 48th out of 50 after a costly 50-second penalty for missing a gate, and she also missed the K1 final in Pau, France. Nevertheless, she rebounded with golds in the C1 races at both events, showing the kind of grit and adaptability that has defined her career. Reflecting on the ups and downs, Fox remarked in June, "It's funny, people are always almost shocked when you don't qualify for the final, or when you don't win, as when you've done it so many times it's just expected, but actually it's hard every time. Even the best athletes make mistakes, so it was disappointing, I was upset, I had a good cry about it, and then I just got back on the horse the next day, got back in my boat and had another crack."
Off the water, Fox’s influence has only grown. She has become a sought-after ambassador for major brands, including Adidas, Red Bull, Toyota, L’Oreal Paris, Grant Thornton, and Sydney Water. Her role as one of Australia’s flagbearers at the Paris 2024 opening ceremony was, in her own words, "probably the greatest moment of my career." The sight of Fox leading her nation into the stadium was a proud moment for Australian sport, and her achievements continue to inspire new generations of athletes.
Looking ahead, Fox remains focused on recovery, with her sights firmly set on returning to competition and building toward the LA Olympics in 2028. For now, she’s taking time to heal, supported by her family and the broader sporting community. The outpouring of well-wishes from fans, fellow athletes, and officials has been overwhelming—a testament to the respect and admiration she commands worldwide.
While Jessica Fox’s absence from upcoming competitions will be keenly felt, her story of resilience, gratitude, and hope provides a powerful reminder of what makes a true champion. The paddling world—and indeed, the nation—will be watching and cheering as she embarks on the next phase of her remarkable journey.
