Lewandowska, who previously secured gold in the women’s 29er class with Julia Maria Zmudzinska in Buzios, Brazil, in 2023, made a notable switch for this year’s competition. With Zmudzinska aging out of the class, Lewandowska teamed up with Krzysztof Krolik, also 18, for the mixed 29er category. 

Their partnership proved to be a winning combination, culminating in a thrilling victory at Lake Garda. “It feels great,” Lewandowska said after the event. “Everyone would be happy to win the women’s and then the mixed skiff; we have to celebrate the success.” The dynamic duo faced a challenging final day, trailing Great Britain’s Finian Morris and Charlie Gran by two points before the decisive race. 

However, Lewandowska and Królik overcame the deficit with a decisive second-place finish, securing their gold medal with a powerful performance. Reflecting on their journey, Krolik noted, “With my former helm, we were too big and we needed to split and change something. We sailed from February and now we are doing one last season in 29er. We talked a lot and had various styles of sailing, but right now we are using a perfect fit for us both.”

Poland’s impressive showing at the championships extended beyond Lewandowska and Krolik. Teammates Alicja Dampc and Alicja Tutkowska dominated the women’s skiff category, amassing 27 points to claim their own gold. Their success, combined with Lewandowska and Krolik’s triumph, highlights Poland's dominance in the 29er class this year.

As Lewandowska prepares to conclude her youth sailing career, she reflects on the journey with a mix of nostalgia and excitement. “I can say for both of us that we want to somehow continue our journey with sailing, but we’re open and that’s how we think it will go,” she said. “All of us in the team are pushing each other and actually having fun with training and doing the regattas. It’s a beautiful sport. We’re both winners and what could be better?”

Looking ahead, Lewandowska and Krolik have one final goal in mind: the 2024 29er World Championship in Aarhus, Denmark. “It’s our last regatta in 29er,” Lewandowska confirmed. “We are heading to Aarhus and then we are ending the 29er journey.” As the sun sets on her youth sailing career, Lewandowska’s achievements stand as a testament to her skill and dedication, marking a remarkable chapter in the world of competitive sailing.

World Sailing is the world governing body for the sport of sailing, officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). World Sailing is made up of 147 Member National Authorities, the national governing bodies for sailing around the world, and 119 World Sailing Class Associations.