Jessica Fox wins GOLD in Paris: Australian Olympic Games flagbearer gets campaign off to incredible start with slalom kayak victory

Jessica Fox won gold at the Olympic Games in Paris.

The 30-year-old Australian flag bearer was chasing an unprecedented number of gold medals at the Paris Olympics. Slalom kayaking was her first event in the whitewater program.

And she continued her run at a breakneck pace on Monday morning, flying through the whitewater and posting a great time to win the gold medal.

“That’s what you do, strong of mind, strong of paddle, she gave everyone something to chase… it was clean,” commentator Dave Culbert said on Nine.

“I am so proud of Jess… this is her best final attempt ever at the Olympics,” added her father Richard Fox.

Fox had to wait patiently on the sidelines as the rest of the field took to the track. Poland’s Klaudia Zwolińska undoubtedly had the Aussie’s heart in her throat as she completed her run, but she was just over a second slower than Fox and finished in silver.

Although she is the reigning Olympic champion in C1, Fox has won three medals in K1 at her previous three Games. Her best result, however, is a silver medal in London in 2012.

Fox wanted to win the K1, defend her C1 title and is also going for gold in the kayak cross, a new addition to the Olympic program in Paris.

After setting the best time in the heat runs on Saturday, Fox remained below her best time in the semi-finals at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium on Sunday afternoon (local time).

She completed the course in 104.38 seconds, but was given a two-second time penalty for ignoring the 19th gate.

Reigning Olympic champion Ricarda Funk recovered after two disappointing heat runs, clocking 99.31 seconds despite also being given a penalty.

Poland’s Klaudia Zwolinska was third fastest with 99.84.

The semi-final result means Fox will finish fifth in the final, in a field of 12 competitors, with Funk finishing last.