Noemie Fox's search for perspective took her from the highs of Olympic gold to the icy waters of Antarctica.
Two years ago, Fox made her dreams come true when she became the first Olympic champion in women’s kayak cross.
While her victory in Paris will always hold a special place in her heart, it also create a new weight of expectation.
“I think last year was a big pressure year for me, my first season as an Olympic champion,” said Fox.
“I think I put a lot of pressure on myself.”
In March this year, Fox set out on an 11-day expedition aboard the Ocean Nova cruise ship after partnering with Intrepid Travel.
“Visiting Antarctica was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life,” said Fox.
“Going to a place that's so untouched and being able to paddle next to the little seals and icebergs in such a remote place is truly sensational.
Fox’s trip of a lifetime allowed her to move away from the pressure-cooker environment of elite competition.
A cold-water plunge provided a powerful change of scenery and mindset as the Australian prepares for the new season.
“I feel a little bit more resilient after doing an Antarctic cold plunge,” said Fox.
“I’m just trying to find the little joys in the sport as well, which has been refreshing.”
For an athlete whose career has always been tied to exploration, it was a reminder of what first drew her to the sport.
“Paddling in extraordinary places around the world, that’s always what’s drawn me to this sport,” she said.
But beyond the paddling, it was the wildlife and isolation that left the deepest mark.
“I think about the little penguins every single day and I miss them so much,” she laughed.
Away from the water, Fox is also navigating a new chapter in her personal life after recently becoming engaged.
While wedding planning sits alongside the demands of elite competition, she says the balance has helped her as an athlete.
“It’s been super exciting to kind of reach a very balanced state as an athlete, to not just be fully focusing on my sport, but also building my life outside of the sport,” she said.
Even the awareness of time passing more quickly has shifted her outlook.
“Knowing I’m getting married, it kind of makes me feel a bit old sometimes, and it makes you realise how life just goes by so fast,” said Fox.
“That’s what always makes me feel really motivated in the boat.
“I have a bit of perspective, I’m excited about a lot of things.
“I’m excited to be married, and I think it’s sometimes a little bit scary. I’m not sure about the name change on the stickers. I’ve got such a short name, so I think we’ll keep things very simple.”
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