Sjöström’s main focus this Paris Olympics has been the 50 meter freestyle and in the trials she managed a fine 23.85.
She was thus alone for 24 seconds and a full 42 hundredths ahead of the second best time, the Polish Katarzyna Wasick, who was recorded for 24.27 in the ninth heat.
Olympics in Paris 2024
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– It was surprisingly fast. I usually need a few races of 50 before I really break free, so it feels very good, says Sjöström to SVT Sport.
– It’s nice to run a distance where you don’t have to have so much tactics when it comes to turning and breathing patterns and stuff like that. It’s just a matter of keeping your head down and driving, she continues.
Sarah Sjöström holds the world record (23.61) for the distance, set at the WC in Fukuoka, Japan last year.
Michelle Coleman to semi-finals
Michelle Coleman is also through to the semi-finals. She finished third in the eighth heat in 24.55. Her personal best at the distance, from 2019, is 24.26.
– What pleases me the most is that I stuck to the plan and did what I had to. 24.5 is a good morning swim and this was the first 50, so it feels great. I feel fresh and energetic and really enjoying myself, but there is a lot of work to be done tonight as well, says Coleman to SVT Sport.
The semi-finals will be decided this evening and are expected to start at 20.39.