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Athletic career and achievements

Elena Lengwiler is one of Switzerland's leading Formula Kite athletes, competing in the fastest discipline in Olympic sailing. Since transitioning to kitesurfing, she has rapidly established herself among the world's best, consistently challenging for top-six finishes and podiums on the international stage.

Her career highlights include earning an Olympic Diploma at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and winning bronze at the 2026 Formula Kite World Championships. With her sights firmly set on the European Championships in Turkey later this year, Elena is targeting another international medal before continuing her campaign towards the LA 2028 Olympic Games, where her ambition is to compete for Olympic gold.

Upcoming events include the 2026 European Championships in Akyaka, Turkey, followed by the Formula Kite World Series in Cagliari, Italy.

Recent results

Bronze Medal – 2026 Formula Kite World Championships
Olympic Diploma – Paris 2024 Olympic Games
1st Place Women, 2nd Overall – 2025 Swiss Championships
6th Place – 2025 Formula Kite World Championships, Cagliari (Italy)

Coaching and community

Elena's physical preparation is supported by Michaela Laskowski at Neurostrength Personal Training. As a former kitesurfer herself, Michaela brings sport-specific expertise that has helped Elena reach new levels of strength, resilience and performance.

Away from competition, Elena has built a loyal international community of sailing and kitesurfing enthusiasts who share her passion for wind, water and the outdoors. She also maintains strong connections within the Swiss ice hockey community following her successful career in the sport.

Equipment

Custom Formula Kite boards by Rift Boards
SK Shapes kite bars

Associations

Gstaad Yacht Club
Swiss Kitesailing Association
Swiss Sailing Team

Sports background

Before becoming one of Switzerland's top Formula Kite athletes, Elena enjoyed a 20-year career in competitive ice hockey. She progressed through the U18 ranks before representing the ZSC Lions in Switzerland's second-highest league until 2018.

Her introduction to kitesurfing came through her husband and what began as a shared passion quickly became an Olympic pursuit. Relocating to the shores of Lake Walen provided the ideal environment to immerse herself in the sport, trading the ice rink for the water and embracing a completely new athletic challenge. The professionalism, resilience and competitive mindset developed through ice hockey have become defining strengths throughout her kitesurfing career.

Challenges and opportunity

Competing in an Olympic sailing discipline while representing a landlocked country presents unique challenges. Elite training opportunities often require extensive international travel, making Formula Kite a logistically and financially demanding sports to pursue at the highest level.

As the discipline continues to evolve, so too does the level of competition. Remaining among the world's best requires continual investment in coaching, equipment, travel and performance support.

Elena's long-term objective is clear: qualify for the LA 2028 Olympic Games and compete for an Olympic gold medal. Partner support plays a critical role in making that ambition possible, allowing her to focus on training and performance while proudly representing Switzerland on the world stage.