Mini Feature: Sprint Queen Sarah Sjostrom Stalking Gold in 50 Freestyle
Blink, and you might miss Sarah Sjostrom in the water. That warning applies not only to the speed which Sjostrom possesses as the world’s premier sprint freestyler, but also to her limited schedule at this summer’s Olympic Games.
For a decade and a half, Sjostrom has been one of swimming’s stars, first emerging as a world champion in the 100-meter butterfly in 2009, and then developing into the sport’s fastest woman in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle. In Paris, though, Sjostrom has decided to place her individual event focus on only the sprint freestyles, with the 100 freestyle a late addition to her program.
The pure sprints have garnered Sjostrom’s attention over the past few years, with global titles claimed in the 50 free and 50 butterfly at the past three editions of the World Championships (2022-24). The 50 fly, of course, is not part of the Olympic program, which leaves Sjostrom with the 50 free, 100 free and relay duty for Sweden. The 100 freestyle was only added after Sjostrom realized she would have plenty of recovery time prior to the 50 free.
During her stellar career, the Swede has reigned as a world champion in the 100 fly and 100 freestyle. She remains a force in the 100 free. At June’s Sette Colli meet in Rome, Sjostrom won the two-lap event in 52.57, the No. 6 time of the year. For that reason, her 100 free entry is intriguing.
Then again, does Sjostrom really need a fallback event. She has been overwhelming in the 50 free, setting a world record of 23.61 last year. More, she owns the five-fastest times in history, and eight of the top 10. In an event defined by hundredths of a second, Sjostrom has reigned in the one-lap sprint with authority.
“I don’t really enjoy the 100 (freestyle) and I don’t want to get too greedy,” the 30-year-old Sjostrom said. “I could probably still be very competitive in the 100 fly if I wanted to. But I’m super happy with one medal. I’d rather put all my cards on the 50 freestyle and hope for the best there.”
