Swimming Icon Sets Sights on Sixth Olympics at 34, Leaving Phelps Behind

Nothing compares to representing your country on the planet’s largest platform. Indeed, it requires much more than merely having talent and abilities. Investing countless hours in training and dedicating every free moment to the sport. And who better to verify this than Swedish swimming star Sarah Sjöström? The 31-year-old’s ascent has been truly remarkable. From initially disliking the sport because water obstructed her glasses to now cementing her place in history, she has indeed traveled a significant distance.

Before making her Olympic appearance, the Swede had already left an unforgettable impression in the pool by securing medals at the World Championships. Yet, despite the favorable circumstances, things didn’t unfold as anticipated in 2008 and 2012. Nevertheless, she returned more formidable than ever, becoming the first female swimmer from her country to compete in the 2016 Games. This year in Paris, she raised her overall count to 6 Olympic medals. If you thought she was finished with the world’s prestigious stage, then you would be mistaken. What do we imply?

Sarah Sjöström offers a significant indication

The Olympian entered her first Summer Games at the youthful age of 14. While she didn’t acquire any shiny medals, it marked the start of an extraordinary journey. Sarah Sjöström entered her fifth successive selection as a 31-year-old. Yet, she demonstrated that age is merely a figure. With her outstanding performances, she startled an impressive lineup in the París La Défense Arena and secured 2 Olympic golds amidst roaring applause. But will she return to safeguard her titles in 2028?

In a conversation with Dagens Nyheter, a Swedish publication, the Olympian admitted she didn’t plan on participating during the 2025 season. Conversely, there was a long-term aspiration in her sights. “I will train, but at a lighter intensity and then gradually ramp up. I believe that is the optimal approach for longevity…Just qualifying for a sixth Olympics would be incredible,” the 31-year-old expressed. After securing 6 medals across five Summer Games, Sjöström has no intention of easing up.

During her latest appearance in Paris, situations appeared rather bleak when Sweden placed fifth in the women’s 4x100m. Yet, the swimming prodigy turned it around in the 100m freestyle by earning an Olympic gold with a time of 52.16 seconds on the clock. But would you believe us if we said Sarah Sjöström didn’t foresee the triumph? Reflecting on her performance in the women’s relay, the 14-time World Championships gold medalist’s confidence was understandably rattled.

Conversely, someone on her team remained hopeful. “My coach insisted. And also, I have dreamt a few times that I would win…it’s almost like I’ve envisioned somewhere before that I would win in the 100 freestyle,” the Olympian remarked. Oddly enough, the Olympian had only committed to the event weeks before the Games commenced. Still, she concluded 0.13 seconds ahead of silver medalist Tori Huske.

However, this wasn’t the only medal she secured in Paris. Sarah Sjöström added another feather to her cap on the final evening of the Games with her second gold in the París La Défense Arena. Set to compete in the women’s 50 freestyle, she performed a stunning feat by racing to the finish in 23.71 seconds. While she disproved the skeptics with her remarkable performance, the 31-year-old has an impressively extensive resume. She accomplished a significant milestone last year. What was it?

The Olympian broke Michael Phelps’ record

At the 2023 World Aquatics Championships, she anticipated capturing gold in the 50m free. But she surpassed that expectation. With a lightning-fast time of 23.62 seconds, the swimmer shattered her own record with a victory. This marked her 21st career medal in individual events. Curious about what makes it interesting? The Flying Fish had 20 and also happened to be the former world record holder. The 31-year-old successfully surpassed the swimming legend, engraving her name in the annals of history.

Note that Sarah Sjöström only shattered the record for individual events. This did not include relays, wherein Michael Phelps still holds the record with 13 relay medals. Nevertheless, the Olympian became the first swimmer to achieve 6 same-event golds at the Worlds, affirming her status as a formidable contender.

This outstanding achievement did not go unnoticed, and the swimmer was honored on April 7. Euro Aquatics revealed that she had earned the Best Female Swimmer award for the fourth occasion in her career. According to a post on their Instagram, she had previously secured this prestigious accolade three times consecutively in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

The tally didn’t account for 2020, possibly due to the pandemic, but unsurprisingly, Sarah Sjöström attained the honor in 2021. However, in an unexpected turn of events, she didn’t win the award in 2022. Who took it that year, you inquire? It was Ruta Meilutyte. The Swede fought her way back in 2023, rightfully reclaiming her title. While she hasn’t explicitly stated her intentions for 2028, would you be interested in seeing her back in the Olympic pool?