After spending six months basking in a golden glow, champion paddlers and sisters Jessica and Noemie Fox hold some trepidation about getting back to work.
The Paris Olympic gold medallists admit they have no idea how they'll perform at the canoe slalom Oceania championships in Penrith starting Friday.
Jess and Noemie both say they're preparation has been markedly different for the championships, which double as a selection meet for Australia's World Cup team and the world titles to also be staged in Penrith in October.
"I have allowed myself the last six months to train but to also do other things when the opportunity has come up," Jessica told AAP on Thursday.
"For me, the goal this year has shifted a bit - it's to be ready in October not to be ready in January.
"I'm excited to be back on the start line and see how it feels ... physically I am not going to be at my best.
"I have no idea where I will place but I am hoping I can put down some good runs that are reflective of the technical ability that I have and physically, just being able to push myself out there."
Her younger sister concurs.
"Not the usual physical and mental state that I would be in," Noemie told AAP.
"I am a little bit underprepared this time around.
"I have been enjoying a few different opportunities and it has all been once in a lifetime experiences, but things that I have really wanted to enjoy and I am glad I have.
"Now I am back to it and performing when I don't feel at my best is something that is also really great for me to practice and tap in to the mental strength - my technical skills are there, I just have to try and deliver on the day."
Jessica collected two gold medals at last year's Paris Olympics, successfully defending her C1 crown and also winning the K1 event.
And Noemie grabbed gold in the kayak cross, having bested her older sibling in a heat.
On return to Australia, the sisters revelled in everything from A-list celebrity appearances to television work and sponsor commitments.
"Giving myself the flexibility to explore different things has been really refreshing and also important for that life balance, now is the time to be doing that post-Olympics," Jessica said.
Noemie said the magnitude of their Paris success only truly hit last November when they jointly accepted The Don award - the Sport Australia Hall of Fame gong considered the nation's highest sporting honour.
"We were in a room full of so many heroes and legends and people that have inspired me so much throughout my whole childhood and career," she said.
"To receive that award together in front of that crowd was incredibly moving and emotional. That is when it really hit me."
The Oceania championships, running from Friday to Sunday, feature eight medallists from the Paris Games including New Zealand's men's kayak cross champion Finn Butcher and French Olympic silver medalist Titouan Castryck.
