Elena Šandera | Follow my journey to the Olympics

Before 2021 I was a regular student. I had just graduated high school and gotten into the medical school of my dreams. But at the start of 2021 everything changed.

I decided to embark on an exciting and life changing adventure that is helping me grow into the best version of myself. I re-discovered my passion for windsurfing and decided on a whim to try and participate in the new Olympic Windsurf Class called iQ Foil Class.

Without any previous foiling experience, that goal was and still is incredibly ambitious and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I struggled through many set backs and I was close to giving up so many times I lost count.

However, my drive to challenge myself and step outside my comfort zone to achieve the unachievable has kept me going through all the ups and downs.

In April 2024 my dream came true: I managed to qualify Switzerland for the Olympic Games 2024! Despite this achievement, I was unfortunately not allowed to participate at the Games due to not being selected by Swiss Sailing.

Despite this huge disappointment, I've decided to not let it stop me. I will continue to fight for greatness and I have my eyes firmly set on my nomination for LA 2028.

You can now support me by joining the Golden Circle and be part of my journey to the top!

Upcoming Races

Each year I compete in many different events. This calendar will keep you up to date on any upcoming races. In order to build a successful four year plan for LA 2028 I need a lot of racing experience so you will mainly catch me on the road, traveling from regatta to regatta!

6 September 2026 - 19 September 2026
World Championships
Portland, United Kingdom
11 December 2026 - 16 December 2026
IQ Games
Lanzarote, Spain
15 January 2027 - 23 January 2027
World Sailing World Championships (first Olympic qualifier)
Fortaleza, Brazil

How to Find Sponsors as an Athlete - A Guide.

As any athlete that is active in a lesser known sport, I do not make a lot of money as a professional windsurfer...

€9.00

Be part of my Journey to the Olympics LA 2028

I'm gearing up for the next four years to push myself to my absolute best. While in 2024 my goal was simply to qualify my country, that is not enough for me now. I want gold in 2028 and I will make sure I get it!

Newsroom

Stay up to date with the latest news and updates from Elena Šandera. Follow her journey to the Olympics and get to know her better.

Article

Die erste offizielle Schweizer Meisterin im Windsurfen heisst Elena Šandera

Article

Last Chance Regatta: Foil-Talent Elena Sandera und ihr Van "Molly" auf olympischer Abenteuerreise - OLYMPIC CHANNEL

Article

Upcoming Races

How to Find Sponsors as an Athlete - A Guide.

Be part of my Journey to the Olympics LA 2028

Newsroom

Die erste offizielle Schweizer Meisterin im Windsurfen heisst Elena Šandera

Last Chance Regatta: Foil-Talent Elena Sandera und ihr Van "Molly" auf olympischer Abenteuerreise - OLYMPIC CHANNEL

The Wind In Her Hands - Surfmagazin

Sponsors