Sara Sjöström secured her 20th individual WC medal in long track with Saturday’s gold in the 50 meter butterfly when she finished in 24.77. She thus moved up alongside Michael Phelps, who was at the top with 20 individual medals, of which 15 gold and five silver, in the World Swimming Championships in long course.
But on Sunday, the 29-year-old Swedish swimming star, who is among the world’s elite and has been the favorite in both events, snuffed out the American swimmer for first place after swimming home a World Cup gold in a time of 23.62 – her 21st World Cup medal on a long track.
Set a new world record yesterday
After the historic gold in the 50 meter butterfly on Saturday, Sarah Sjöström also set a world record in the second semi-final in the 50 meter freestyle with a time of 23.61.
– It’s really cool. It was a tough night yesterday in a way, there was a lot going on with world records and stuff, so I’m very happy with what I managed to achieve today. I feel super strong, she tells SVT.
Seventh place for Coleman
Swedish Michelle Coleman finished seventh in the final.
– It was the fastest time I’ve done here, so it feels great. But it’s clear, we were hoping to be a little faster, but it’s just over the season’s best, so it’s great, she says to SVT.
– I am incredibly proud, it has been a dizzying week with a lot of emotions. I’m very happy, and I hope I can come home and really feel it.
“She is absolutely incredible”
The former elite swimmer Josefin Lillhage is one of those who followed Sunday’s final.
– It is absolutely fantastic, she is absolutely incredible. It’s so fun to watch, and I’m so impressed, she tells TV4 Nyheterna.
The decisive factor in a race like this is the details, she says.
– It’s the details that have to be right in a sprint distance like the 50 meter freestyle, and she sets all the details today – it’s an incredibly fast time.