There are mixed emotions in the Fox family following the Kayak Cross heats after Olympic debutant Noemie qualified for the quarter-finals, while sister and dual Paris gold medallist Jess just missed out on progression.

Fellow Aussies Tim Anderson and Tristan Carter also made their way through to the next round of competition, finishing first and second in heats.

It was a difficult race for Noemie and Jess, having to line up against each other so early in the competition. While they are used to training, sparring and racing against each other, they had hoped they wouldn’t face the match up until much later in the competition.

“It was hard, but I think we always knew it was going to be hard.” Noemie said.

“We didn’t want to knock either of us out, the goal was to have two Australians through as far as possible and it would have been great to meet later on and do that final together.

“She (Jess) won the last World Cup, she’s a multiple world champion in this discipline so it goes to show how rough and unpredictable the Kayak Cross and for the world champion to be knocked out before the quarter-finals says a lot about this field.”

Noemie had an incredible launch off the ramp, taking an early lead in the race. She was in control from gate one and flawless down the course to the finish line. Unfortunately for Jess, an early tangle with her other opponents had her at the back of the pack from the start.

“I just didn’t pull out my best race. It was really tough from the start and I got really tangled with the other two girls while Noemie got a really good start.” Jess said.

“The first corner I turned fourth so I had to overtake early, which I thought I did really well, then I almost, almost pulled off an overtake on that last gate but that’s kayak cross.

“You can have a plan but sometimes it doesn't go according to plan and that was the case today.”

It was a tough situation for Jess, full of mixed emotions for herself and her sister.

“I’m gutted, absolutely, but then at the same time, when you see your little sister win the heat the emotion just went away and I was so proud of her,” Jess said.

“You know I was nervous for her, nervous for myself, gutted we were in the same heat, but then we realised we could try and use that to our advantage.”

Meanwhile, in the men’s competition, it was Tim’s second first-place finish of the competition. Whereas Tristan had an extra race after being forced into the repechage to qualify for the heats.

Tim, who finished first in heat six, enjoyed the physicality of the race and was looking forward to the competition getting harder now that he was headed to the quarter-finals.

“I enjoy the fights. I went straight into a bit of a tussle after the first drop.” Tim said.  

“Felix (Oschmauts, AUT) and Stefan (Hengst, GER) are big guys so I really had to push hard against them but it was fun.

Teammate Tristan also had a strong heat run, finishing second and securing his place in the quarter-finals. While he didn’t have the perfect start to the race, the natural born surfer was able to make time in the roll, clawing his way back to take second.

“The roll is the bit I’m best at. I’ve got a quick roll in me so I can make time up.” Tristan said.

“In this sport it's about taking advantage of opportunities, so I was biding my time. Unfortunately I came off the ramp pretty badly, so I just sat at the back of the pack and waited for an opening and made sure to jump on it when it came.”

Australia’s three qualifiers will now look forward to the quarter-finals, set for Monday 5 August from 11:30pm AEST, with semi-finals and medal races to follow the same day.

As for the Fox family, Jess will be giving 100% to supporting her sister as Noemie aims to make history.

“She definitely gave words of encouragement right after the race. She’s so grateful to have me here.” Noemie said.

“It’s so special to be here together doing this and we have been great sparring and training partners. She knows she had more to show but now she will be just pushing me until the end.”