Jessica and Noemie Fox handed huge honour as athletes dazzle at Sport Australia Hall of Fame

Olympic golden girls Jessica and Noemie Fox have both been rewarded for their efforts in Paris at the Australia Hall of Fame awards night. Jessica Fox once again became the golden girl at the Paris Olympics having defended her Women's Slalom C1 event from four years earlier and added the K1 Slalom event to her gold medal tally.

And to make matters even more impressive for the Fox family, Noemie Fox competed and won in the first ever KX1 event, introduced for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The sisters shared a beautiful moment at the Vaires-sur Marnes Nautical Stadium when Jessica jumped into the water to celebrate her sister's special moment.

And the duo have been rewarded in tandem for their Paris highlights at the Hall of Fame ceremony. Jess and Noemie won the inaugural The Don Award together.

Named after Sir Donald Bradman, The Don Award honours an Australian athlete or team who 'inspired the nation' over the past 12 months. Fair to say all eyes were on the Fox family during the Olympics and both delivered for their nation.

"What's hard is that often we're up against each other for these sorts of awards and so that's tough, so to actually win it together is really special," Fox said after winning the award alongside her sister. "It's been a journey that we've shared together, and Paris was so special for our whole family.

"It's just been really incredible to see the impact that it's had, and how many people who watched it felt the emotion and I think that's especially what resonated with people. I've won medals or different awards but this one is the biggest, the highest honour in Australian sport, and when you look at the list of other athletes who have won it in the past, it's just crazy to think that we're among them."

Noemie Fox praises family success in Paris

After winning the award, Noemie Fox admitted the family had re-watched the gold medal success back since Jessica jumped into the water to celebrate. "We definitely let ourselves enjoy the success, relive the success, because it was truly so special, truly unique and such a sensational Games for us," 27-year-old Noemie said.

"I'm used to being in the shadows, and obviously the world and Australia specifically, has seen Jess as a sporting legend, but it does feel like suddenly with everyone knowing my name and knowing kayak cross since Paris, it's been this whole new world.

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"Because they followed Jess so closely, they've really latched on and supported me as well, and that's been incredibly special. Feeling the whole of Australia behind you when you win in such a small sport was truly amazing. And to receive an award together, and to know that our performance and the way we really supported each other really inspired the nation, it's a huge privilege, and it's something that we'll remember for the rest of our lives."

Lauren Jackson honoured with top award

Australian basketball sensation Lauren Jackson was also honoured for her achievements in the sport. Jackson came out of retirement to play for the Opals in Paris and became the first Australian to win five medals at five different games after they finished third.

The former WNBA superstar has played at the highest level booth internationally and on a domestic level having won the WNBL seven times with four MVP awards. She won 'The Dawn' award for her lifetime achievements.

"I always said right from the beginning of me starting to play again that I was on borrowed time, and I knew that my knee at some point was going to go," Jackson said. "And it did, but I got through and I'm so proud that I proved to myself that I could, and to be a part of something super special."

Sport Australia Hall of Fame award winners:

The Don Award: Jessica Fox and Noemie Fox

The Dawn Award: Lauren Jackson

New athlete members: Mick Fanning (surfing), Mark Knowles (hockey), Karen Murphy (lawn bowls), Sally Pearson (athletics), Mark Skaife (motor sport), Liesl Tesch (dual sport Paralympian).

General members: Gerry Ryan, Betty Watson.