Given the recently success of the Fox sisters at the Paris 2024 Olympic games, Adrian sat down with Rachel to get some further insight into the world of paddling. For those of the you who are unfamiliar, Rachel is not only an Olympian herself having represented Great Britian in the 1992 games, but is also the extreme proud aunt of Jess and Noemie.
Rachel competing at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona
Rachel competing at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona
A - Given your time in the GB Olympic team, what do you remember most about your training, preparation and race day experiences?
R - In many respects, I remember clearly as if it was yesterday, that the Olympics was unlike anything I had previously experienced. The press attention, the crowds, the atmosphere and the pressure. The training was just the same as any other race but afterwards there would be interviews and photo shoots. Particularly in preparation for 1992 (Barcelona Olympics) when both Richard, (my brother, for GB) and Myriam (my sister-in-law, for France) were also competing, there was a lot of attention. I also clearly remember marching with team GB at the opening ceremony, the roar of the full stadium as we entered from the tunnel. These are powerful memories I cherish. With racing it was impossible to ignore the implication of the event and what the Olympics means. It takes something really special to be able to draw energy from the pressure and race well in that situation. That is what Jess is so good at.
R - In many respects, I remember clearly as if it was yesterday, that the Olympics was unlike anything I had previously experienced. The press attention, the crowds, the atmosphere and the pressure. The training was just the same as any other race but afterwards there would be interviews and photo shoots. Particularly in preparation for 1992 (Barcelona Olympics) when both Richard, (my brother, for GB) and Myriam (my sister-in-law, for France) were also competing, there was a lot of attention. I also clearly remember marching with team GB at the opening ceremony, the roar of the full stadium as we entered from the tunnel. These are powerful memories I cherish. With racing it was impossible to ignore the implication of the event and what the Olympics means. It takes something really special to be able to draw energy from the pressure and race well in that situation. That is what Jess is so good at.
A - Jess has seen some incredible success and despite the pressure to come out on top, she absolutely owns it. What goes through your mind watching Jess compete?
R - Mostly, I am not too nervous. I know she is something special and I am excited to see what she can achieve. However, we all know that nothing short of winning would suffice. So it was nerve racking watching her. Also I watch critically, noticing the little nervous moments, where she is not running the boat as we know she would want to be. I can appreciate when Jess puts the burners on and it is a privilege to know we are watching something special.
Jessica and Noemie Fox pose with their medals during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Picture: Jack Guez / AFP.
Jessica and Noemie Fox pose with their medals during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Picture: Jack Guez / AFP.
A - What are some of the key differences you have seen in coaching approaches and changes to training regimes in the current age of Canoe Slalom?
R - Essentially the sport is still the same. The coach is the critical eye advising the athlete where they can improve, how best to use the properties of the water to gain speed. Ultimately the athlete wants to feel like they are floating on top of the water and flying. Often slalom can be described like dancing on the water around the obstacles. It is often seen as an art form.
R - Essentially the sport is still the same. The coach is the critical eye advising the athlete where they can improve, how best to use the properties of the water to gain speed. Ultimately the athlete wants to feel like they are floating on top of the water and flying. Often slalom can be described like dancing on the water around the obstacles. It is often seen as an art form.
However since 1992 there are a few key differences. The sport has become more professional, athletes are dedicating all their time to training. The courses are shorter and the boat design allows fast movement and turns. As a result the differences between the men and women are becoming much less. The shorter courses and tight turns mean more gym and strength training, the girls can lift decent weights and need to be really powerful and strong on the water, both to be fast and remain injury free.
A - Where do you see the sport going in the future? Will there be a greater emphasis on certain things like training modalities or injury prevention? Or have we got it figured out for now?
R - I hope it stays similar, I am happy with the sport as it is!
A - Whats the secret to fitting 8+ canoes on a Subaru Forester roof rack?
R - It is a fine art and our best kept secret, I'm not sharing that one!
R - It is a fine art and our best kept secret, I'm not sharing that one!
A - If anyone wanted to get started in the sport, how would they go about it?
R - The National federation website is the best place to start https://paddle.org.au/. In Melbourne we have very active canoe clubs with programs to help beginners of all ages to have a go at canoeing. Melbourne Canoe Club (https://melbourne.paddle.org.au/) is the most active in the area in Canoe Slalom and you can often see the paddlers training on the Yarra in all weathers in Templestowe.
R - The National federation website is the best place to start https://paddle.org.au/. In Melbourne we have very active canoe clubs with programs to help beginners of all ages to have a go at canoeing. Melbourne Canoe Club (https://melbourne.paddle.org.au/) is the most active in the area in Canoe Slalom and you can often see the paddlers training on the Yarra in all weathers in Templestowe.
