Jess Fox and Nina Kennedy make history with golden performances in Paris

After a whirlwind 3 weeks overseas in the French capital, Paris, Australia completed its greatest ever performance at an overseas Olympic Games, finishing fourth on the Paris medal tally.

Australia left Europe with a total of 53 Olympic medals, and Always Human is proud to announce that its athletes, Jess Fox and Nina Kennedy stepped off the Qantas homecoming flight with 3 out of the total 18 gold medals brought back to Aussie soil.

Australian canoeist and Always Human athlete Jess Fox made waves, by clinching gold in not just one, but two distinct events: the K1 and C1 competitions. 

As Australia’s proud flag bearer for the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, Fox showed the world exactly why she is fondly known as Australia’s golden girl and the greatest paddler of all time. Her stellar performances unfolded against the stunning backdrop of the newly inaugurated Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.

At just 30 years of age, yet competing in her fourth Olympic Games, Fox showcased her mastery across multiple kayak disciplines, cementing her status as one of the most versatile and accomplished athletes in the world of canoeing. 

Fox has rewritten the history books several times in her illustrious career, and is the first-ever athlete to win gold medals in both canoe and kayak at the Olympics. Fox stands alone as the only Australian to win four consecutive medals in the same event, with Anna Meares, in warm company as the only other Australian Olympian to have also won an individual medal at four consecutive Games (although in different events).

Fox now has six individual Olympic medals and joins the ranks of Ian Thorpe, Leisel Jones, Shirley Strickland and Anna Meares, as the only Australians to achieve this. 

As Jess Fox basks in the glory of her double Olympic triumph, the world eagerly anticipates witnessing her future endeavors in the sport, confident that she will continue to push boundaries and redefine what is possible in canoeing.

Currently, Fox is an ambassador for some of the most recognised brands including Adidas, Sydney Water, Red Bull, Toyota and Grant Thornton.

Not only was history made in the water in Paris, but it was also made on the track and in the air. 

Australian pole vaulter, and Always Human athlete Nina Kennedy soared to victory, claiming not only her first-ever Olympic gold medal, but also Australia’s first ever gold in the women’s event since it was introduced in 2000 and Australia’s first ever medal in any women’s field event. Adding to the significance was the fact that Kennedy was also titled as the first person to ever win Australia’s 18th gold medal at an Olympic Games. 

In a thrilling head-to-head battle with her US rival and reigning Olympic Champion, Katie Moon, not only did Kennedy secure the top spot on the podium, with a jump of 4.90 meters, but Kennedy also cemented her status as a formidable force in the world of athletics.

Fighting fit from the outset, fresh off qualifying just two days prior, Kennedy displayed unwavering determination and exceptional skill against fierce competition. 

No stranger to competing against Katie Moon, whom she made global headlines with previously, as the two athletes shared World Champion status in 2023, Kennedy’s Olympic campaign and gold medal-winning performance not only marks a personal triumph for Kennedy but also underscores her remarkable journey to the pinnacle of her sport.

Currently, Kennedy is one of the only Australian athletes to have a full-time paying contract with the global sports brand, Puma, as well as partnerships with other brands such as Coles and Chemist Warehouse. 

The third Always Human athlete at the Paris Games was Matilda’s Mary Fowler, the 21 year old soccer sensation. 

After breaking into national prominence with flashes of brilliance at her debut Olympics in Tokyo, Fowler has since earned her reputation as the Matildas’ attacking fulcrum, following the meteoric rise of the Matildas in Australia which catapulted Fowler into superstardom around the country.

At the Paris Games, the Matildas were undeniably dealt the short straw with a challenging pool group and unfortunately suffered a 2-1 loss to football giants Team USA, however the team’s recent commercial gains and record-breaking television ratings have set a precedent for women’s sport in Australia, and no doubt both Fowler and the Tillies will come back stronger than ever this year. 

The whole team at Always Human are incredibly proud of Jess, Nina and Mary, and look forward to what lies ahead for each of them.