Sarah Sjostrom Blasts 50 Free World Record in Semi-Finals
Sarah Sjostrom of Sweden has had herself a spectacular week as she broke her second world record of the meet on Saturday in the semi-finals of the 50 free in Budapest. Sjostrom swam a 23.67 to break the old record of 23.73 held by Britta Steffen of Germany from 2009. Sjostrom was the only swimmer under 24 seconds in the semi-final as she will be the top seed tomorrow. Sjostrom already won the 50 fly gold medal earlier in the night.
Reigning Olympic champion Pernille Blume of Denmark (24.05) is the second seed just ahead of American Simone Manuel (24.12). Manuel and Blume were on the podium with Sjostrom in the 100 free last night as Manuel upset the Swede for the gold medal as Blume finished in bronze position.
Netherlands’ Ranomi Kromowidjojo (24.20), Australia’s Bronte Campbell (24.43), France’s Anna Santamans (24.54), China’s Liu Xiang (24.56) and Belarus’ Aliaksandra Herasimenia (24.59) will also swim in the final tomorrow.
Brilliant!!