The 26-year-old rider from Walensee is committed to Swiss kitesurfing. She organizes one of the key events of the year, the SKA Freestyle Swiss Series, and dreams of qualifying our nation for the Paris Olympics. It’s a project she can only admit to half-heartedly at the moment, as she finds it hard to believe: she started kitesurfing just four years ago.
Text: Pauline Katz
Elena Lengwiler (formerly Bosshard, as she was recently married!) started kitesurfing four years ago, took up foiling two years later and took part in her first world championships this year. By finishing in the middle of the table, she demonstrated that she has a place among the world’s elite. As Elena had hardly ever competed against other girls, she herself was surprised by her performance, but delighted with it. The rider from Walensee has her feet firmly on the ground, but allows herself to dream of the Olympics. Given her rapid progress and motivation, she has already proved that she has the potential to qualify Switzerland in Formula kite.
Elena is not only fast on the water, she’s also an outstanding organizer. The idea for the SKA Freestyle Swiss Series came to her during her studies in sports management.
Elena’s 2023 season promises to be a busy one. She wants to compete internationally while continuing her studies and working part-time to finance it all. Thanks to her participation in the World Championships, she knows exactly what to work on during her winter training and is looking forward to getting back in the water. And of course, she will once again be organizing her favorite event, a human adventure that she greatly appreciates: “It’s just incredible to see everyone so happy at the SKA Freestyle Swiss Series.”