Aleksandra 'Ola' Melzacka, a Polish sailor and Sandra Jankowiak, her crew member, have had to weather both physical and psychological storms in order to chart their course towards the Olympics.

After a series of intense training sessions in the Mediterranean Sea, off Marseille, the pair will join 19 other crews on Sunday for the first sailing event of the 2024 Olympics.

In the lead-up to the Games, Jankowiak said, "We have had many ups and lows, but more highs than lows."

Jankowiak tore her ankle ligaments when she was sailing the physically demanding skiff. She had been out of commission for over two months.

Melzacka said that her health had suffered as a result of her tattooed Olympic rings on the left bicep, a reminder of her participation with another crew at the Tokyo skiff.

She said that she had suffered a mental breakdown after her partner returned to sailing, and fatigue was also a factor.

Melzacka, who lives in Gdansk in Poland, said, "I am an athlete that will push the limits and stay on the waters." She added that she had overcome her difficulties with the help of her family, coach and psychologist, as well as a planned period of rest.

Melzacka is a talented singer who will often sing when racing in hopes of a favorable wind shift, says Jankowiak.

Jankowiak stated, "I graduated music school and was playing the piano. We can be a great band in future."

They say that as one of the lighter crews, they often do less well when there is a strong wind.

Jankowiak quips: "If you asked crews (from the) FX I think they would all lie (about their weight)." He adds that "we can eat lots, but sometimes it's too much".

The two say "We love pancakes" almost simultaneously. (Reporting and editing by Ed Osmond; Alexander Smith)