Australian canoe slalom champion Jess Fox posted an especially poignant story just the other day. She’s currently in full recovery from kidney surgery which she had done back in August. She had successful surgery to remove a tumor from her kidney. This major health hurdle meant that she missed the world championships on home turf.
Fox is the pre-eminent athlete in her sport on the world stage. She’s won 14 world championship gold medals and boasts the international Olympic competition record with three Olympic golds. She cruised to an impressive gold medal in the C1 event at the Tokyo Olympics. Last year, she won the C1/K1 double world title at the World Championships in Paris. In addition to her gold medals, Fox has won a silver and two bronze medals in Olympic competition.
Looking back on her recovery process, Fox described how the experience was a “huge shock.” She said she didn’t know when she could get back into competitive paddling. She’s been pretty methodical about using her rehab as a post-injury opportunity.
In preparation for a long and arduous road back, Fox began her return with gentle movement and mobility exercises, gradually building up to flatwater training. This step by step approach let her build up both her strength and confidence back in what she is able to do.
“Starting back on the flatwater, then turning, and finally feeling the whitewater again,” she said. The patience has been worth it, as she recently experienced her first smooth float through the rapids.
“Can’t tell you how good that first easy float down the rapids felt 🥹.” – Jess Fox
Throughout her recovery, Fox repeatedly stressed the need for patience. Yet she recognized that it was time to listen to her body and give it the time it needed to heal correctly.
“Step by step — it’s nice to be back out there with a great team around me,” Fox stated, highlighting her support system throughout this challenging period.
As she continues to recover, Jess Fox remains committed to living in the moment. Overall, she is proud of the progress she has made and looking forward to her return to competition.
“Time to fall in love with the comeback, the slow progress. After surgery to remove a kidney tumour, I had to listen to my body and stop, rest and heal,” – Jess Fox
