Jessica Fox wins unprecedented fourth K1 World title at Lee Valley White Water Centre

Australia’s Jessica Fox overcame a nightmare start to claim a staggering fourth K1 World title at the Canoe Slalom World Championships.

The 29-year-old struck K1 gold for the first time since 2018 at the Lee Valley White Water Centre despite a disastrous first gate which saw her immediately given a two-second penalty.

Fox hit the opening gate of the course with her helmet but immediately shook off the scare to lay down a brilliant run of 103.60 seconds for gold.

Eliska Mintalova of Slovakia clinched silver in a time of 104.73 whilst Poland’s Klaudia Zwolinska secured bronze.

“A bad word went through my head on gate one but I held it together,” said Fox. “It was a crazy race and I can’t believe I won. I’m overwhelmed and so emotional.

“I tried my best to keep it going and almost fell off a wave as well because I was really pushing the lines and trying to be as tight as possible, but I’m just thrilled.”

After winning bronze in the K1 event at Tokyo 2020, the C1 Olympic champion was thrilled to see herself back on top of the podium once more after a high-pressure final at the London 2012 venue.

“The girls put down some really good times and it was a tough race out there,” she added.

“It was incredible energy so big love to all.”