It was a homecoming of sorts for the French sisters who, in Australia's colours, returned to Europe and won a stunning sweep of women's canoe-slalom medals at the Paris Olympics.

Jessica Fox is a veteran Olympian who said that the whole experience was pure joy, even though her hopes of winning a third medal were dashed by her sister Noemie, who won the kayak-cross after defeating her elder sibling earlier in a heat.

It's a real dream to be able achieve together what we did. It was a dream come true. "It was too good to true," said the woman.

Jess won gold at the canoe and kayak slalom competitions, while the sisters who had trained together to compete in the kayak cross were prepared for any possible rivalry.

Jessica said that it was exciting to see Noemie compete in the final of kayak cross.

She said, "It's amazing to see my sister running and screaming the entire way down."

Then, "I jumped into the water" because of my excitement for her.

Kayak Cross, the new Olympic event for Paris 2024, includes a drop in the water, followed by an exciting sprint through the course of whitewater, which features gates both upstream as well downstream, along with plenty of excitement and thrills.

Fox said, "You can push your kayaks against each other and overtake." I think it was a lot of fun for the viewers because it was unpredictable.

The fact that they were born in Marseille added an extra dimension to their Olympic experience.

"It's so special being in France, being in Paris. "These games have always been special to our family," said the 30-year old.

She added, "Sharing our Australian and French culture and celebrating it has been incredible." Reporting by Jenna Zucker; additional reporting by Philip O'Connor, Editing by Toby Davis

(source: Reuters)