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Peaking At The Right Time, Sarah Sjostrom Poised For Big Showing in Budapest
Perhaps one of the most underappreciated moments at last summer’s Olympic Games was the silver medal by longtime superstar Sarah Sjostrom in the 50-meter freestyle. En route to that podium finish, one of just four by European women, the Swede completed her comeback from a fractured elbow in February of the rescheduled Olympic campaign.
Considering the training interruption caused by her injury, Sjostrom was magnificent in winning a medal, and advancing to the finals of the 100 freestyle (fifth) and 100 butterfly (seventh). Sjostrom’s efforts were proof of her championship pedigree and mental toughness. There’s a reason she is a lock for eventual induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Now, a few weeks shy of the start of the World Championships in Budapest, Sjostrom is well-positioned to flourish during her next major competition. Recently, the 28-year-old notched three victories during the Mare Nostrum Series stop in Canet, triumphs that will surely send Sjostrom into the World Champs with confidence.
In France, Sjostrom captured gold in the 50 freestyle in a time of 24.11 and added a win in the 50 butterfly behind a performance of 25.57. In the 100 freestyle, Sjostrom nearly cracked the 53-second barrier, prevailing in 53.05. With some rest ahead of action at the Duna Arena, where Sjostrom has frequently shined, expect her to produce some quicker times and chase multiple medals.
If Sjostrom contests the 50 freestyle, 100 free, 50 butterfly and 100 fly in Budapest, she will be a leading medal contender in each event. The 50 freestyle might be her best chance at gold, as she has popped several 24-flat to 24.1 markers during Mare Nostrum competition. More, reigning Olympic champion Emma McKeon of Australia is bypassing the World Champs.
Sjostrom enters the World Championships as the women’s leader in individual medals with 16, one more than the totals of Hungarian Katinka Hosszu and Russian Yuliya Efimova. Based on the way she has looked in tuneup action for Worlds, expect that tally to grow.
is the Russian Federation going to be allowed to participate in Budapest?
Hi Mark. No, Russia will not be at Worlds due to FINA sanctions similar to what other governing bodies have instituted.