SYDNEY, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- World champion kayaker Jessica Fox has been awarded Athlete of the Year in her home State of New South Wales (NSW) at a ceremony on Tuesday night.
The Australian is now the most successful paddler of all time after a stellar 2018, winning gold at both the C1 (canoe singles) and K1 (kayak singles) World Cups, as well as winning gold in both events at the World Championships.
Fox beat out tough competition to be bestowed NSW Sport's top honour, including recent 7th time world champion surfer Stephanie Gilmore, and veteran cricket champion Ellyse Perry.
"It's an incredible honour after an amazing year, to be up against the other outstanding athletes," Fox said.
"It's a great celebration of sport and community."
Women were strongly represented at the awards which Fox believes is imperative to drawing attention to women's leagues and getting them the respect they deserve.
"The more we talk about female athletes, the more mainstream media coverage and celebration [they get], the more things will improve," Fox said.
Born to French canoe champion parents, Fox who was raised in the outer suburbs of Sydney, says she benefited hugely from having the Whitewater Stadium, built for the 2000 Olympics, right nearby.
"Having access to the Whitewater Stadium set up for the Olympics in my backyard had been amazing and helped me succeed," Fox said.
"Athletes from all over the world come here in the summer to train."
The 24-year-old now has her sights set on the Tokyo 2020 Games where she hopes to add to her medal tally with an Olympic gold.
