Meet the Team: Ewa Lewandowska and Krzysztof Królik
by International 29er Class 31 Oct 2024 07:37 PDT
Ewa Lewandowska and Krzysztof Królik © World Sailing
In this edition of "Meet the Team," we're thrilled to introduce Ewa Lewandowska and Krzysztof Królik, two passionate sailors who have dedicated their lives to the sport. With roots in family, perseverance, and a love for the open water, Ewa and Krzysztof share their journey from aspiring sailors to top competitors in the 29er class.
Q1: Hi! Can you tell us how you got into sailing?
Krzysztof: My journey into sailing started with my father's influence. He loved sailing and was an enthusiastic sailor in his youth. Unfortunately, his career was cut short when his club burned down. I think he passed the torch to me because he wanted to see me succeed and fulfill the dream he couldn't pursue himself.
Ewa: I owe my start in sailing to my older brother. Watching him inspired me to give it a try, and with each training session, I felt my passion grow. Soon, I couldn't imagine myself outside the sport, and I've stayed committed ever since.
Q2: Why did you choose the 29er class?
Krzysztof: I was given a chance to try the 29er and found it both complex and exhilarating. At the time, the 29er class was seeing a resurgence in Poland, so I took the opportunity to make it my main focus.
Ewa: I've always wanted to move up to the 49er FX class because of its speed and cool design, so switching from the 420 to the 29er was a natural step. It's been the best decision of my life; the experience has been invaluable.
Q3: What's been your proudest moment so far in your sailing career?
Krzysztof: My proudest moment is when other coaches start recording us to study our settings and technique. It's a great feeling to know that our approach is making waves in the sailing community.
Ewa: Winning the Youth Worlds twice has been the highlight for me. I won first in the girls' division, then even triumphed over the boys. But 2024 stands out because it was a year of growth for both Kris and me. Despite balancing final exams with training, we managed to keep winning and having an incredible time on the water.
Q4: How do you prepare mentally and physically for big competitions?
Krzysztof: I try to keep a calm mindset and focus on my routine. Instead of feeling stressed, I channel my excitement into maximizing performance once the race starts. Interestingly, as I've gotten better, I find I tire less since I spend less time in unpredictable situations in the middle of the fleet. I mainly focus on cardio to stay fit and keep my weight optimal.
Ewa: We maintain a relaxed atmosphere on our team, and I think that's a big part of why we're successful. We also have incredible support from our coach, Kajetan Jablonski, who believed in us every step of the way. For physical training, I rely on Jarek Protasewicz, who knows exactly when to push us and when to prioritize rest.
Q5: What's the most challenging part of sailing a 29er?
Krzysztof: You have to adapt to the water and conditions from the very first minute, especially as weather conditions change mid-race. Being able to adjust quickly is crucial.
Ewa: For me, it's the speed at which things happen and how easily one mistake can cost you places. It's a fast-paced race, so you have to make smart decisions quickly to keep up.
Q6: How important is teamwork in the 29er?
Krzysztof: Teamwork is everything. We constantly communicate about what's working and what isn't. Having a shared plan—and being able to talk through disagreements—is essential. We make sure to avoid impulsive decisions, which can ruin a race in seconds.
Ewa: Teamwork is incredibly important; there's simply no way to sail a 29er alone. The speed of the boat means we're constantly adjusting to changes, so communication has to be seamless. In our team, our strong communication allows us to bring our best skills to the race without surprises.
Q7: What's your favorite place to sail, and why?
Krzysztof: I love Kiel for its changeable wind conditions and Garda for the speed factor. Garda is also an incredible training ground to refine your technique.
Ewa: If I had to pick one spot, it would be Palamós in Spain. I love the waves and the variety of conditions there, and it's never boring, even if the big swells with light wind can be frustrating at times.
Q8: Do you have any sailing role models or people who inspire you?
Krzysztof: (No response provided.)
Ewa: I admire Peter Burling. He's just incredible—truly unbeatable and inspiring. Watching what he's achieved over the years has made a big impact on me. He's a legend in the sport.
Q9: What advice would you give to younger sailors who want to follow in your footsteps?
Krzysztof: The better you get, the more enjoyable sailing becomes. Find comfort on your boat and with your partner. Push yourself to improve with every training session.
Ewa: Focus on the journey and the process rather than just the results. Surround yourself with people who motivate you but also make sailing fun. If you truly love the sport, just focus on that and enjoy every training. The results will follow naturally.
Q10: What are your goals for the future?
Krzysztof: My goals are to travel, meet people from around the world, and explore different branches of sailing.
Ewa: My short-term goal is to get better with my new boat, the 49er FX, while my long-term dream is to reach the Olympics and win medals. I'm hopeful and determined to make that happen.
Q11: Last question! What do you do when you're not on the water?
Krzysztof: Sailing gets more enjoyable as you get better at it. But aside from that, I love traveling, meeting people from around the world, and exploring different aspects of sailing. When I'm off the water, you can usually find me playing GeoGuessr or enjoying any sport that involves a ball.
Ewa: When I'm not sailing or doing related work, I mostly study to keep up with my academic commitments. With how time-consuming sailing is, I cherish the moments I can spend with friends and family.
Ewa Lewandowska and Krzysztof Królik have built a solid foundation in the sport, bringing dedication, adaptability, and an inspiring level of teamwork to every competition. Their passion, support from incredible coaches, and strong family influences drive them toward even bigger dreams in the future.