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Gabriela Bortlisz, a sprint freestyler from Warsaw, Poland, has verbally committed to Northwestern University for the fall of 2028. She shared with SwimSwam:
“I’m happy to announce my verbal commitment to continue my swimming and academic career at Northwestern University! This wouldn’t have been possible without my parents who have always been there for me. I also want to thank Coaches Szymon, Stanisław, and Bartek for guiding me throughout this journey. I’m very grateful to Coach Rachel and Coach Eddie for believing in me and giving me this amazing opportunity. GO ’CATS! 💜🐾🐱”
Bortlisz holds the Polish age-group records in the LCM 50 free for both 15- and 16-year-old girls, with a lifetime best of 25.52 set in June 2026 at the PGE Grand Prix – Polish Cup in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski. She has also contributed to several Polish junior national record-setting relays.
At the 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival in Skopje, Bortlisz won bronze in the 50 free (26.20) and silver as part of Poland’s mixed 4×100 free relay (56.67 split). She also earned bronze in the women’s 4×100 medley relay (56.52 anchor).
Later that summer, at just 14 years old, Bortlisz represented Poland at the 2025 World Junior Championships in Otopeni. She clocked a 25.70 in prelims to advance to the semifinals of the 50 free, where she finished 14th overall with 25.81.
At the 2026 European Junior Championships in Munich, Bortlisz reached the semifinals of the 50 free (25.54) and 100 free (55.81), placing 11th in both events. She was also a staple on Poland’s relays, recording a 54.89 flying split in the final of the women’s 4×100 freestyle.
Top LCM times (converted):
- 50 free – 25.52 (22.27)
- 100 free – 55.43 (48.49)
- 200 free – 2:03.97 (1:48.80)
Bortlisz’s converted times would have ranked 3rd, 2nd, and 6th, respectively, on the Wildcats’ roster last season. She would have been a ‘B’ finalist in both the 50 free and 100 free at the 2026 B1G Women’s Championships. In addition to what she will bring with her individual event lineup, she will have a tremendous impact on Northwestern’s relays. Bortlisz will overlap two years with countrywoman Flawia Kamzol, a freshman from Krakow (by way of Mount Kelly College in the UK).
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