Pawel Sendyk

View Current photo via Courtesy of Jack Spitser

Pawel Sendyk is a Poland native, but travelled across to world to attend the University of California, Berkeley where he is currently a freshman on the swim team. Born on May 24 1997 to Robert and Ewa Sendyk, he has risen to become one of Polands top freestyle and butterfly talents. Before moving to California to study physics and continue his swimming career, Sendyk swam for MKP Szcecin in his home country.

International Career

2015 was a breakout year for Sendyk on an international stage. He represented Poland at the European Games picking up a silver in the 50 meter butterfly and a bronze in the 400 meter medley relay. Also that year he was at the World Junior Championships in Singapore. His best result came in the 50 meter butterfly where he was in a three-way tie for eighth place after the heats. In a swim off for the last spot in the final Sendyk touched second, just missing out.

University of California, Berkeley

Sendyk decided to leave his home country of Poland to compete in the NCAA. He picked the Cal bears under head coach David Durden as his new home.

2016-2017

At the 2017 NCAA Championships, Sendyk picked up points to help Cal to finish second overall behind Texas. First up for the freshman was the 200 yard freestyle relay. He was joined by Michael Jensen, Justin Lynch and Matthew Josa to take the bronze medal. He was back in action again the same night in the 50 yard freestyle final where he finished 6th in 19.05. In the 200 yard medley relay, Sendyk swam the freestyle leg and touched home for another bronze medal for the Bears. He also swam the 100 yard freestyle and butterfly, finishing 25th and 27th.

2017-2018

At the 2018 NCAA Championships, Sendyk once again helped Cal to a 3rd place finish in the 200 free relay, splitting 18.56 on the 2nd leg. In the 50 free, he moved up in ranking, touching the wall at 18.94 to place 4th. He also placed 32nd in the 100 fly and 26th in the 100 free.

2018-2019

In 2019, Pawel continued improving, especially in the shorter events. At NCAA’s, he helped the bears win the 200 free relay, leading off in 18.84. In the 50 free, he touched for 2nd (18.68) only behind his teammate, Ryan Hoffer. He scored in all his individuals for the first time at this meet, securing 9th in prelims of the 100 fly and touching at 45.30 in finals for 10th overall. In the 100 free, he finished 8th overall (42.06) after going a lifetime best of 41.76 in the morning. Sendyk also helped the bears to a 2nd place finish in the 200 medley relay, netting the fastest fly split of the field at 19.66, and a 3rd place finish the 400 free relay, splitting 41.92 on the 2nd leg.

Best Times

Course Event Time Date Meet
scy 50 Free 18.66 03/28/19 2019 NCAA Championships
Austin, Texas
scy 100 Free 41.76 03/30/19 2019 NCAA Championships
Austin, Texas
scy 100 Fly 45.30 03/29/19 2019 NCAA Championships
Austin, Texas
lcm 50 Free 21.91 05/24/18 2018 Polish Championships
Poland
Pawel Sendyk (photo: Jack Spitser) Pawel Sendyk (photo: Jack Spitser) Pawel Sendyk (photo: Jack Spitser) Pawel Sendyk (photo: Jack Spitser) Pawel Sendyk (photo: Jack Spitser) Pawel Sendyk and Ryan Hoffer (photo: Jack Spitser) Pawel Sendyk (photo: Jack Spitser)