‘A bit less kidney, a lot more toughness’: Olympic great Jess Fox has surgery to remove tumour

Three-time Olympic champion Jess Fox says surgery to remove a tumour from her kidney has made her tougher, and she is “building towards being back on the water”.

The Australian canoeing great, known for her capacity to overcome adversity, posted about her recent health challenge on Instagram on Thursday.

She announced the operation had been successful, but she will miss the final events of the European Canoe Slalom World Cup as she recovers.

“Life update. I won’t be competing in the final World Cups over the next couple of weeks. I’ll be cheering from home instead!” Fox wrote.

“It’s been a whirlwind over the last few weeks, but I’m all good – just a couple of gnarly new scars, a bit less kidney, and a whole lot more toughness,” she added.

“I’m feeling positive, super grateful and happy to be home. Looking forward to taking it easy over the next few weeks as I recover, and building towards being back on the water again.”

Fox’s news was greeted with a wave of support on social media from other Australian athletes and artists, including tennis champion and 2022 Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott, Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, Olympic swimming champion Ariarne Titmus, and actor Lincoln Lewis.

“Sending you healing energy and love, champion,” 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame posted.

“Sending big hugs, love and wishes for the best recovery,” Wicked performer Sheridan Adams added.

Penrith NRL star Nathan Cleary also wished Fox a speedy recovery, while her sister Noemie left love heart emojis.

Fox is an avid supporter of Cleary’s Panthers. She grew up in Penrith, trains at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium and last year addressed the Panthers players on mental preparation and dealing with pressure on their way to the NRL premiership.

Fox was Australia’s flagbearer at the opening ceremony of last year’s Paris Olympics, where she defended her title in the slalom C-1 event and also won gold in the slalom K-1.

A joyful photograph of Fox embracing her sister Noemie, after Noemie won gold in the kayak cross, was one of the most memorable images of the Games. Jess was eliminated in the heats of that event but joined her younger sister in the water to celebrate, with a gigantic grin on her face.

Australian Olympic Committee president Ian Chesterman sent a message of support to Fox, who has a total of six Olympic medals from four Games.

She is also a 14-time world champion, stretching back to 2013.

“It has been a difficult time for Jess, her family and for her support crew. But the one thing we know is that Jess is an incredibly resilient person and she has faced this latest challenge with her renowned determination and fight, just as you’d expect,” Chesterman said in a statement.

“Through her incredible efforts in sport and the many other projects where she is making a difference, Jess has impacted on the lives of so many, not just in Australia but across the world. I know that all those people will now be cheering for her to make a full and speedy recovery and are looking forward to seeing her back on the water.

“Jess is an extraordinary person and a true inspiration. For now, she needs to concentrate on getting better, and then we can’t wait to see her back in action.”

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