Penrith plaque honours Fox

WITH the message “Welcome to our Olympic Playground”, a plaque was installed at Penrith Whitewater Stadium’s Olympic course in honour of Jewish Olympian paddler Jessica Fox. It lists the 28-year-old’s canoe slalom career achievements for Australia so far, including her gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympic Games, her previous Olympic silver and two bronze medals, her multiple women’s canoe and kayak world championship title wins, and her strong advocacy for women’s sport. At the presentation on March 21, Penrith mayor Tricia Hitchen said, “Penrith is proud of Jess – renowned as the greatest individual (women’s canoe slalom) paddler of all time. “Today, we unveil a plaque [as] a permanent reminder of her achievements and dedication to a sport, and community, that respect and adore her.” Fox (pictured with her mum and coach Myriam, left, and her dad Richard) described it as “a huge honour”. “I was here as a little six-year-old in the stands [watching the 2000 Olympics] – this whitewater stadium has been my playground, my workplace, my training ground and race venue … it is a second home.”

Credit AJN