Paris Olympics 2024: Jess Fox survives jitty do-or-die semifinal run to qualify for final eighth
Australian superstar Jess Fox has survived a jittery do-or-die semifinal run to qualify eighth fastest for the Women’s Kayak final.
The reigning world champion started last after taking the fastest time into the semifinal, but a slow line through the top section and a gate penalty cost her dearly.
A strong middle section and finish kept her alive as she crossed the line in 104.38 seconds.
The Kayak gold has been on Fox’s mind for three years after just missing out on gold in Tokyo, and while she didn’t show her best in the semifinal, she has won from further back before.
It was a slower-than-expected semifinal run all around as the time to beat steadily decreased as the calibre of competition improved, dipping under the 100-second mark.
German champion and reigning Olympic gold medallist Ricarda Funk had the fastest time ahead of Fox’s run with a 99.31, despite having a two-second penalty and will have the honour of having the last say in the final.
Fox looked steely in the starting gates and powered in and out of the first gate with ease.
She bounced through the rapids but found herself a second down at the first split.
A strong turn through gate 12 gained her time, but a penalty on gate 19 put the Aussie star under pressure.
Fox finished well but could only manage the eighth-fastest time.
The final will see 12 competitors for the first time after the limit was raised by two from Tokyo.
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