Triple Olympic Champion, 31, Reveals Shock Surgery to Remove Kidney Tumor

Triple Olympic champion Jessica Fox is recovering after undergoing an unexpected surgery.

On Thursday, Aug. 28, Fox, 31, announced on her Instagram that she had undergone surgery to remove a tumor from her kidney.

“Life update ❤️‍🩹 I won’t be competing in the final World Cups over the next couple of weeks. I’ll be cheering from home instead!,” the Australian canoeist wrote alongside a photo of herself laying in a hospital bed and several other shots.

In the first picture, tubes were seen coming out of Fox’s nose as she held onto a pink flask and looked directly at the camera.

“Last week I had surgery to remove a tumour from my kidney,” she continued in the caption. “The surgery went really well and I’m on the mend.”

Fox added, “I’m super grateful to the incredible medical staff for their care and expertise – thank you Dr Mohan Arianayagam and his team, and Dr Stephen Nolan, Dr Parrapil, the amazing nurses and physios at Norwest, Dr Scott Reid, my physio Tony and psych Chris, and our Paddle Aus team for their support.”

Continuing her appreciation, Fox said, “And of course my wonderful family and friends 🥰❤️ It’s been a whirlwind over the last few weeks, but I’m all good – just a couple of gnarly new scars, a bit less kidney, and a whole lot more toughness 😉.”

“I’m feeling positive, super grateful and happy to be home. Looking forward to taking it easy over the next few weeks as I recover, and building towards being back on the water again 💛💪🏽,” she concluded.

Many people sent their messages of support in the comment section, including Fox’s sister Noémie Fox — also an Olympic canoeist — who left a love heart emoji.

“Keep strong and speedy recovery. Good energy! 🙏🏼😉,”  sprint canoeist Fernando Pimenta wrote.

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Australian Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus also commented, “Lots of love girlfriend ❤️.”

Other photos showed Fox wearing pajamas while appearing to take a break outside of the hospital, an impressive painting of two kidneys — with one wearing plasters — and a shot of herself laying back on an outdoor chair in the sun.

Fox also shared the latter photo on her Instagram Stories with the caption, “I’ll be here, resting & soaking up the sunshine.”

She then posted another photo of her pet dog and wrote, “Or here with the dog that is not thrilled about sharing the couch.”

Fox has won a total of six Olympic medals — three golds, one silver and two bronze — including two golds from the 2024 Olympics in Paris, according to her athlete page on the official Olympics website.

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Australian Olympic Committee president Ian Chesterman told 7News it had been a “difficult time” for Fox and “her family and for her support crew.” “But the one thing we know is that Jess is an incredibly resilient person and she has faced this latest challenge with her renowned determination and fight, just as you’d expect,” he said.

“Through her incredible efforts in sport and the many other projects where she is making a difference, Jess has impacted on the lives of so many, not just in Australia but across the world,” Chesterman continued. “I know that all those people will now be cheering for her to make a full and speedy recovery and are looking forward to seeing her back on the water.”

He added, “Jess is an extraordinary person and a true inspiration. For now, she needs to concentrate on getting better and then we can’t wait to see her back in action.”

PEOPLE has contacted the Australian Olympic Committee for comment.