With ever more recognition and more medals to their names, the Chmielewski brothers are finding their way into the consciousness of swimming fans worldwide. The Polish twins Krzysztof and Michał have travelled overseas to start their studies in the US. Their goal is Los Angeles, where they aim to fight for medals. Krzysztof came close in Paris, taking fourth place. They believe their American dream will land them on the podium at the world’s most prestigious sporting event.
They were born on June 8th, 2004. Their adventure with swimming started at the age of six in the Targówek district of Warsaw. Their careers started to thrive in the Muszelka Warsaw club. Training under coach Grzegorz Olędzki, they achieved ever more significant success, first at the national level, then internationally.
Over the years they have done well primarily in the 200 meter butterfly – the same distance at which Paweł Korzeniowski and Otylia Jędrzejczak achieved their greatest success. It was in this event that the Chmielewski brothers had no equals in junior competition. In 2021 and 2022 they dominated at the European Junior Championships. Krzysztof won two golds, with Michał taking silver on both occasions. The finishing order was the same at the World Junior Championships in Lima two years ago. In 2023, at the first edition of the European U23 Championships, only Noyan Taylan from France separated the twins on the podium.
By now, Krzysztof has already won a World Championships silver at the senior level. In Fukuoka, he finished second, coming close to the national record and was handed the medal by his idol, Michael Phelps.
There was no shortage of international success in 2024, either. First, Michał finished just outside the podium at the World Championships in Doha. Later, the brothers won their first European Championships medals. In Belgrade the duo were beaten only by the then-world record holder, Kristof Milak. The main event of season was the Olympic Games in Paris. The Chmielewski brothers came back without a medal, but gained valuable experience. Krzysztof finished fourth in the 200 meter butterfly final, while Michał missed out on making the final by just three hundredths of a second.
One year before the Olympics, the twins changed their training environment and moved across the ocean, to the University of Southern California. It was there that Poland’s top sprint swimmer Katarzyna Wasick studied and trained in the past. They quickly found their place on the Trojans team. As freshmen, both made it to the NCAA Championships. In the season-ending event Krzysztof finished fourth at 1650 yard freestyle. He also made the B final at 200 yard butterfly, while Michał finished in 21st place.
The Chmielewski brothers work hard for their success. In the US, they hit the pool 9 times a week and swim between 5 and 8 km per session. They combine it with gym and other workouts on land.
They are helped in their strife for success by the university’s support team. The coaching team comprises five coaches and two physiotherapists. The head coach is Lea Maurer, Olympic medalist from Barcelona 1992, and their personal coach is her assistant Brooks Fail. They are also provided medical assistance and dietitian support.
– When we started the talks, Krzysiek had better results than Michał. The key for the guys was to join the team as a duo. Since we started working together, Michał has done great and improved his personal records. That gives me great joy and motivation to work – Fail stated.
After the Paris Olympics, the Chmielewski brothers went back to Los Angeles for their sophomore year to realize their American dream.
– Both are hard workers. As athletes they are not afraid of work. We are past the Olympics and are now focusing on preparing for the intense NCAA season, not forgetting about the World Championships in Budapest – the coach added..
When overseas, their thoughts often go back to Poland.
– We love Warsaw for its diversity and green spaces. We have lots of memories from our home city. In the US I miss my home and the park where we often met with our friends – stated Michał, who enjoys other places in his home country as well.
– The most beautiful place in Poland? That is Zakopane, the winter capital of Poland. It is the ideal place to rest, get some active recreation and come in contact with nature. You are welcome to visit our country – he said.
The twins will soon be coming to Europe and presenting themselves to a wider audience. In early December they will participate in the World Short Course World Championships in Budapest.
For Michał, this will be a debut in this event, while Krzysztof previously competed in Abu Dhabi in 2021. Three years ago in the United Arab Emirates he finished ninth in the 200 meter butterfly. He did not make the final of his favorite event, but he set the still-standing European junior record (1:51.84).
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