Jessica Fox has underlined her status as the GOAT of canoe slalom with the Australian claiming her fifth K1 title at the world championships in Oklahoma.
Collecting her third gold of the 2026 competition for Fox's 16th career world crown, it adds to her haul of three Olympic gold medals.
The K1 title came after Fox won the kayak cross time-trial and also the women's kayak team event, partnering with younger sister Noemie and Kate Eckhardt.
The victory at Riversport Rapids on Wednesday (Thursday AEST) continued the 32-year-old's stunning return following surgery to remove a tumour from a kidney last August.
That setback meant Fox was unable to defend her 2023 kayak title on home soil last year.
The four-time Olympian qualified as the seventh best paddler in the final, with China's Li Shiting setting the pace on the 2028 Los Angeles Games course.
But Fox produced a flawless run in the final to take the gold medal, with her time 1.31 seconds ahead of American rising star Evy Leibfarth.
Long-time rival Kimberley Woods of Great Britain collected bronze.
Noemie finished 19th while Eckhardt was 28th after they both picked up penalties navigating a tricky course in the semi-finals.
"It's emotional. I can't believe it. I was so nervous today and once I made the final, I wanted to try and get out there, enjoy it and give it my best shot. I'm so proud of my race," Fox said.
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Her inspiring 12-month journey from kidney surgery to again dominating the whitewater has continued to add to her phenomenal legacy in paddle sport.
"I'm just really proud today to push myself in those uncomfortable moments of pressure and nerves and to be able to deliver and win another world title. I just can't believe it," Fox said.
"I'm so full of gratitude, and joy, and emotion, and thankful to everyone who has helped me. It takes a village to get you from the hospital bed to just back in a boat.
"It hasn't quite sunk in yet. It's been an amazing start to the week. Three gold medals and each one has felt different, has meant something different. I'm back on top and it feels bloody good."
Fox will be back on the water tomorrow for the women's C1 semi finals.
Olympian Tim Anderson snuck into the men's K1 final and was on a flying run until the wind picked up and he finished with a 50-second penalty which relegated him to 12th.
