Youth Sailor of the Year: Ewa Lewandowska and her journey to the Los Angeles Olympics

High School Graduation and Championships

Ewa Lewandowska is a model of determination and passion. She excelled in her high school finals in chemistry and biology at III LO in Gdańsk, allowing her to begin studying dentistry. At the same time, she has been developing her sailing career. Together with Krzysztof Królik, her sailing partner, they clinched the European and World Championship titles in the 29er class.

I have to be careful not to let success go to my head," jokes the 19-year-old sailor. - Luckily, my family keeps me grounded.

Rapid Success

Ewa started sailing ten years ago at AZS AWFiS Gdańsk. Her transition to the 29er class and partnership with Krzysztof Królik happened in January 2024. After just six months of sailing together, they qualified for the World Championships and claimed the top prizes.

We were one tight-knit group with the other crews. And Krzysztof and I clicked as people, sharing similar values, the same motivation, and excellent communication, Ewa explains.

Fighting for the World Championship Title

During the World Championships on Lake Garda in August 2024, the Polish crew had to contend with challenging weather conditions and tough competition. In the final race, which decided the gold medal, they faced off against a team from Great Britain.

We entered the first buoy in the lead, with them right behind. But the wind was crazy that day. Some boats were sailing, while others were stuck still. Suddenly, the wind shifted. We handled it better. They fell behind again. Then came the final stretch. We reached the finish line first! We won gold! – Lewandowska recalls.

Youth World Sailor of the Year and New Challenges

In November 2024, Ewa Lewandowska was honored with the prestigious Youth World Sailor of the Year title at the World Sailing Awards gala in Singapore.

It was a very formal event, full of elegant people. I met many sailors I had only seen on TV before, she recalls.

Now, she is transitioning to a new class – the 49er FX, where she sails with Anna Zwara. Their goal is the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

I’m already aiming for the upcoming Olympics in three years. It’s a big leap. But I love challenges and growth, she affirms.

Balancing Studies and Sailing

Ewa has no intention of giving up her education, even though combining demanding studies at the Medical University of Gdańsk with a sailing career is not easy.

Everyone told me that combining dentistry with sailing was impossible, but I’m living proof that it can be done. I juggle studies with training and national team camps, she emphasizes.

In March, she plans to return to the water in Portugal, continuing her preparations for upcoming challenges.

Ewa Lewandowska is a testament to how talent, determination, and proper organization can lead to championship success without sacrificing dreams and education. Her journey to the Olympic Games is just beginning, but she is already proving that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to.