Canadian sailors Antonia and Georgia Lewin-LaFrance launch campaign toward the 2028 Olympic Games

Canadian sailors Antonia and Georgia Lewin-LaFrance launch campaign toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games © Sail Canada

Antonia and Georgia Lewin-LaFrance from Chester, N.S., announce their official campaign towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games in the 49erFX class.

The sisters represented Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games where they finished in 11th place overall, one position shy of qualifying for the Medal Race. At all four major events leading up to the Olympics, they were one of only two teams to place in the top 10 in each of these competitions, proving their consistency on the world stage.

"The Paris 2024 Olympic Games was an unforgettable experience: our first Games, the culmination of six years of hard work, a moment we had dreamed about for so long", said Antonia and Georgia Lewin-LaFrance. "It was surreal to finally be on the start line, racing in the same boat against the same competitors, but this time, on the biggest stage. Finishing 11th was not the result we wanted, but the experience gave us so much to learn from. More than anything, it showed us that we have the potential and drive to stand on the podium."

Since Paris, the sisters stayed involved in sailing outside their Olympic discipline. Georgia raced in the Youth America's Cup and participated in an all-female training camp on an F50 with the support of the Northstar SailGP team, while Antonia coached the Opti race team at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, and learned to kiteboard. They also took valuable time to reflect, reconnect with family and friends, and assess their next steps.

"Individually, we both came to the same realization: we're not done yet. That's why we're excited to officially commit to another Olympic campaign towards Los Angeles 2028. This quadrennial is about taking everything we've learned, refining our approach, and building towards one goal: winning a medal for Canada. The Paris quadrennial was about getting there; this quad is about getting on the podium."

The journey will be a little bit different with the departure of their coach, Krzysztof Kierkowski, who has taken on a new role coaching in his home country, Poland.

"A big part of our journey so far has been our coach, Krzysztof, who played a huge role in helping us grow as athletes and as people. While we won't be working together moving forward, we know our paths will cross often. Thank you, Krzysztof, for everything you contributed to our campaign. We wouldn't be where we are today without you!"

The sisters are now focused on planning and fundraising as they prepare to return to the water. Their first competition post-Paris will be at the 2025 Princess Sofia Regatta to be held March 31 to April 5 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

"None of this would be possible without the people who have supported us: our families, sponsors, teammates, coaches, and the entire sailing community", added Antonia and Georgia Lewin-LaFrance. "We're so grateful for the support, encouragement, and guidance we've received. We're looking forward to the next four years, and we're ready for the challenge and opportunity to represent Canada."

Canadian community members who want to support Antonia and Georgia Lewin-LaFrance on their journey to Los Angeles 2028 can do so at www.windathletes.ca/athletes/team-lewin-lafrance.