Interview with World Paddle Awards academy member Richard Fox

Video interview: Nicolaas Harding | Writer: Alyce Burnett | Edit: Gijs Takken

Richard Fox is a man who has done it all and seen it all in the world of canoe/kayak. As one of the most respected individuals in paddlesports being a ten-time world champion in kayak slalom, Olympian, former ICF Vice President and the current National Performance Director for Australian Canoeing he can offer a qualified opinion on any facet of the sport. His 25-year plus contribution has equipped him with a resume’ full of experience and inspiration for paddlers young and old.

As one of the major players in the development and implementation stages of these World Paddle Awards, Richard was overwhelmed by the emotion and significance the night produced. In just one night a sense of unity among a diverse range of paddlesports was experienced. This was a step in the right direction.

“There’s a greater appreciation of the feats and achievements of different athlete’s or individuals across the sport and I think that’s inspirational as a whole. You could be an Olympic champion and be inspired by somebody that’s doing great things in the field of expeditions for example and vice versa, so I think that’s the power of a global type of award in the full sense of the world,” Richard said.

As this awards ceremony continues to evolve and grow Richard predicts it will become an annual event, setting the benchmark for the future.  By involving so many paddlesport disciplines the future potential is demonstrated with a strong message of diversity being delivered. This is a luxury not all sports have. 

The sport of cycling is a perfect example that offers several disciplines including track cycling, road racing, mountain biking and BMX. Paddlesports is very similar to cycling with regards to its diversity but it is not being correctly exploited. 

“I don’t think that’s the motor for something like tonight but it does reinforce the fact that perhaps when we listen to the messages from the IOC (international Olympic Committee) and when we read the agenda 2020 in detail and the philosophy behind it the key words that I draw out of it is to change or be changed, that is the question.”

As Canoe/Kayaks Olympic program comes under scrutiny Richard believes that the sport will run into trouble if it relies on the traditions of the past as opposed to opportunities of the future. Whilst the exact direction of the sport is an open question, the opportunity to diversify the portfolio of events and disciplines has again been highlighted at this awards night.

On top of his international commitments Richard’s main goal over the next year is to ensure the Australian’s are performing well leading into the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. A notable shift in Australian sport since the London Olympics has been made with a more targeted approach, more accountability and a higher sense of expectation around performance, which is setting the Aussies up for success. As Richard’s team looks for some good performances and a strong progression through the upcoming qualification process he is not underestimating the level of rival individuals and countries.

“I think for most teams this year is about getting across the line and getting quotas and then the next thing on athletes minds themselves is gaining the opportunity to race for their team but it’s a very tough gig out there and a lot of competition so we’re working hard where we can,” Richard said.

In addition to his individual feats, Richard’s family is one of the most well known in the slalom world with over 20 World Titles and two Olympic medals between them.  Alongside his wife Myriam and daughters Jessica and Noemie, Richard is a strong advocate for women in canoeing and is pushing for it to become part of the Olympic program.

Richard Fox’s knowledge and passion for paddlesports is unrivalled, which is evident by his drive to utilize its potential and help it evolve. As the sport continues to develop the World Paddle Awards will play a pivotal role to further encourage unity and diversity, ensuring its future success.