Sisters Jessica and Noemie Fox have capped off their amazing 12 months by being handed 2024's The Don Award by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
One of the most prestigious sporting awards in Australia, 'The Don Award' is handed to an Australian athlete of team whose achievements over the past 12 months have "most inspired the nation".
The two athletes captured the entire nation earlier this year when they both won Gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
"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," 30-year-old Jessica Fox told AAP.
"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."
The evening also saw Mick Fanning (surfing), Mark Knowles (hockey), Karen Murphy (lawn bowls), Sally Pearson (athletics), Mark Skaife (motor sport) and Liesl Tesch (dual sport Paralympian) inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
"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 added.
"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.
"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."
Sport Australia Hall of Fame award winners
The Don Award:ย Jessica Fox and Noemie Fox
The Dawn Award:ย Lauren Jackson
New athlete members to Hall of Fame:ย Mick Fanning (surfing), Mark Knowles (hockey), Karen Murphy (lawn bowls), Sally Pearson (athletics), Mark Skaife (motor sport), Liesl Tesch (dual sport Paralympian)
New general members to Hall of Fame:ย Gerry Ryan, Betty Watson
