Australian Olympic hero Jessica Fox recently shared a health update following surgery to remove a tumor from her left kidney. The hearing happened late last week. Though she did have some unexpected complications in surgery, Fox is home healing and remaining optimistic.
A three-time Olympic gold medalist, Fox stole the show in Tokyo. She won the C1 category and earned her second gold medal with an astounding run. She’s a superstar at the top of her game on the Olympic stage. Last year in Paris, she pulled off the C1/K1 double, and this year she has a stunning career total of 14 world championship golds.
At 31 years of age, Fox is the reigning worldwide icon of canoe slalom. She was notably the flag bearer for the Australian team during the opening ceremony held in Paris. After having surgery just recently, Fox will not race in the final World Cup races in Europe. This decision underscores just how important her recovery process is.
In her statement, Fox, who received surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., expressed appreciation for the medical professionals who cared for her.
“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,” said Fox.
Ian Chesterman, the Australian team’s chef de mission, said the physical and mental burden dealt to Fox over the last year was recognised.
“It has been a difficult time for Jess, her family and for her support crew. 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.
He acknowledged the difference Fox has already made through her success in sports and beyond.
“Through her incredible efforts in sport and the many other projects where she is making a difference, Jess has impacted on the lives of so many, not just in Australia but across the world. I know that all those people will now be cheering for her to make a full and speedy recovery and are looking forward to seeing her back on the water,” Chesterman added.
Fox expressed her determination to recover fully.
“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,” she stated.
