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Olympic champion Sarah Sjostrom is looking ahead to the Tokyo Olympics, but the injured star is not looking too far ahead — just enough to target a return date after her elbow injury.
Sjostrom plans to return to racing during the Mare Nostrum Series. The Canet stop is June 1-2. She detailed the plan to Swedish news source Dagens Nyheter. She then hopes to compete at the Italian Sette Colli Trophy in late June.
After a strong International Swimming League (ISL) season, Sjostrom was injured and has been slowly getting back into the water, starting with freestyle motions, she posted a couple of weeks ago. She is now three months post-op from her surgery.
Sjostrom sustained the injury to her right elbow when she slipped on ice on her way to Reimersholme, south of Stockholm, in February and she was quickly transported to hospital where the fracture was diagnosed and she had surgery to repair the injury.
Now, she is continuing to prepare to defend her Olympic title in the 100 butterfly.
“I’m slowly getting stronger. This is actually a good start for everyone who wants to learn how to do push ups, this is my level now! Next week I will try to take down the barbell one small step, if my elbow feels ok. And eventually I can do push-ups with my hands on the floor and feet elevated. But progression and patience is super important. First of all I need to learn how to push the same on both sides and keep the shoulders in place. Lost alot of muscle mass and strength on my right arm (4cm) and shoulder in the last 10 weeks, so that’s definitely a challenge,” Sarah Sjostrom posted on Instagram.
Sjostrom has been publicly positive about her recovery starting when it occurred.
Unfortunately I’ve got some bad news this snowy Sunday morning from Stockholm. Yesterday I slipped badly on the ice and broke my elbow when I fell on the ground.
“It’s obviously very shitty timing and I feel devastated, but at the same time I’m determined and motivated to come back stronger then ever.
“I’ve seen athletes who come back stronger after injuries and they are my big inspiration now. Surgery is scheduled tomorrow. I have an amazing support team around me, and they will help me with rehabilitation.”
