Jessica Fox has won the Gold Medal in the C1 event at the Paris Olympics.
It is the first time any paddler – male or female – has won Gold in both the C1 and K1 at the same Olympics.
Fox won the K1 Gold earlier this week.
Fox was the second fastest qualifier for the Final, posting a 106.08 down the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.
Gabriela Satková from the Czech Republic was the fastest qualifier at 105.55.
Germany’s Elena Lilik produced the time to beat in the Final of 103.54, a stunning run.
But Fox, the defending champion, stunned in her run – producing an incredible 99.06 to put her in first place with one paddler to come.
“Oh my goodness,” her father Richard declared in commentary on Channel 9.
There was a nervous moment when the run was put under review by the judges, which wasn’t complete by the time Satková took to the water.
Mid-way through the run, a two second penalty was applied to Fox’s time, still putting her in front at 101.06
Satková’s run in the Final was troubled, finishing in 114.22.
Lilik won the Silver while Evy Leibfarth, a youngster from the United States, won Bronze after scraping into the Final.
There were emotional scenes post-race as the reality of the success set in for 30-year-old Fox.
“That’s the hardest and most remarkable thing that she’s ever done,” Richard Fox told Nine.
Her mother and coach Myriam said: “I’m extremely proud of what she’s done today because it was mental more than anything.”
Jessica was all smiles at the medal ceremony, a little less emotional than after the K1 on Monday; this time in celebration mode as she waved towards the crowd in celebration.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.