Making Olympic Dreams A Reality – Exclusive Q&A with Elena Sandera
Making Olympic Dreams A Reality – Exclusive Q&A with Elena Sandera
Elena Sandera is a professional windsurfer from Switzerland. She gave up medicine to follow her Olympic dreams. We spoke to her back in March before the Last Chance Regatta abut her sporting journey & the sustainability side to windsurfing.
Why give up medical studies for windsurfing?
When I decided to take the leap and start my windsurfing journey in January 2021, I had already completed my first semester in medicine. The original plan had been to try and do both simultaneously which for the second semester worked out quite well. However, mid 2021 I realised that in order to achieve my extremely high set goal of qualifying for the Olympics I had to focus all my mental and physical energy on the windsurfing campaign. I absolutely plan on finishing my degree after LA 2028.
What’s been the hardest part of your journey?
I’m a very ambitious person which automatically leads me to compare myself to other female windsurfers that train and compete with me. I often forget that anyone I’ve encountered so far has had at least seven to ten more years of experience not only in racing but also in windsurfing itself so I can get a bit discouraged at times. I need to constantly remind myself that my journey is unique and my learning curve will look very different to anyone around me. That also means I don’t really have anyone I can go to for advice regarding certain aspects since nobody has been crazy enough to approach an Olympic campaign like me;)
What’s been the best part about your sporting journey?
The best part of this journey is almost everything, it’s impossible to choose! Getting to exercise the sport I love the most every single day in locations that are warm and gorgeous, having met incredible people in this community who have helped me immensely, pushing my physical and mental skills to their limit and so much more. I truly feel so blessed to be able to do this!
What’s your goal for 2024?
My number one goal during this project has always been the same: To push myself to become the best windsurfer I can be in less than four years. That I think I have already achieved but to solidify this goal I want to qualify Switzerland during the Olympic Trials in Hyères in April. That would be the pinnacle of success for me!
Henry is your coach. How has he improved your windsurfing?
I only started working with Henry at the beginning of 2023, so two years into my campaign. From the moment we met, we started changing practically everything from my windsurf settings, technique and racing strategy. He had a huge impact on my windsurfing for example my speed went from mediocre at best to world class in only a couple of months. Every single aspect of my training has improved so much that I wouldn’t be even close to where I am now.
Tell us about your current sponsors. How did you find them? How do you work with them?
My current sponsors have been with me from the very start. Since my journey is very different from other athletes, I obviously didn’t have any good results to show for when I just started out. That means my current sponsors have really taken a chance with me and for that I am so grateful! I taught myself how to approach and find sponsors right from the get go because of course any support from my federation was out of question; as a complete beginner there was no way I could qualify for any elite sports team. Whenever I am in Switzerland I like to catch up personally with my sponsors since they all have become an important part to my campaign. I always look for people and companies that are fully on board with my project and support not only the goal but also me as a person.
How sustainable is your sport?
Windsurfing is a super sustainable sport, we use the wind as our only form of propulsion (that and some blood, sweat and tears). And as an industry/ group of athletes we have a first hand view on a lot of the negative impacts of matters such as ocean pollution, especially plastics and fishing nets. The Manufacture of our olympic equipment is also really working to reduce carbon footprint of kit production and travel. Each board has its carbon offset with mangrove plantation projects and at every regatta we fill out a form to estimate our footprint, which is then offset by the IQfoil class. I am not perfect and neither is our sport but we do all put in a lot of effort to reduce our carbon footprint.
Tell us about any important sustainable lifestyle habits? Eg: van vs air / food / beach cleans / clothing?
While my van obviously still emits CO2, it is far better than flying around the globe many times a year. I always choose driving over flying to keep my impact on the planet as small as possible. I’m a big advocate for the’ capsule wardrobe ‘meaning I only have very few pieces of clothing that I can repurpose for many different outfits. Living in a van means space is limited so my personal belongings are only very few.
What’s the worst thing you’ve seen in the ocean? Eg: Sarah Jackson said a fridge|!
Luckily I have never encountered a fridge but I’ve seen my fair share of plastic bags and a huge amount of discarded fishing ropes as well as smaller wrappers etc. Whenever we come across trash we pick it up and dispose of it on land. It is incredibly sad how big companies just throw their trash into the ocean but since it’s not in my power to change their habits i can change mine!
Favourite female sportswoman?
I recently discovered Jazmin Sawyers, a British long jumper. I absolutely adore how she presents herself on social media, so likeable and human. She shows her achievements but doesn’t shy away from shining light on her struggles too. It’s refreshing to see a top athlete admit to weakness instead of trying to present themselves as a super human. She’s also a coffee enthusiast which I can definitely relate to:)
To learn more about Elena’s inspiring journey pls visit her website: https://www.elenasandera.com