Swedish swimming star Sarah Sjöström made her dramatic comeback at the Swim Open in Stockholm after 607 days away from competition. She had not competed since the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she achieved significant success. 62 seconds at the Swim Open, demonstrating her competitive form.
The stands were full for Sarah Sjöström's heat, which is unusual for a qualifying swim, indicating strong fan support for her return. This performance comes after Sjöström became a mother about seven months ago. She gave birth to her son Adrian in an ambulance outside Södersjukhuset on August 26, 2025, adding a personal milestone to her career.
It would have been embarrassing if she was superior.
At 32 years old, Sjöström continues to showcase her longevity as an elite swimmer. Her last competition before this break was in Stockholm shortly after her Olympic gold success in Paris, where she secured double wins in the 50m and 100m freestyle. Sjöström is the most decorated swimmer in European Championships history with 28 medals, highlighting her historic achievements in the sport.
She also won Olympic 100m butterfly gold at the Rio 2016 Games, adding to her impressive resume. 43 seconds since July 2014. She has been very competitive in the 50m butterfly for many years, maintaining her status as a top contender.
I decided to compete in Stockholm because I felt good enough, not as a highly advanced plan.
In May 2025, American Gretchen Walsh joined Sarah Sjöström in swimming under 25 seconds in the 50m butterfly, showing recent competition in the event. Sjöström looks forward to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, which could be her sixth Olympics, and she is excited about the 50m butterfly being added to the Olympic program for 2028. Despite her success, Sjöström has had occasional back problems, similar to many other swimmers, and she has two home arenas, reflecting her training setup.
Many outside the swimming world are surprised by Sarah Sjöström's early comeback after pregnancy, given the challenges of returning to elite sport. The Malmsten Swim Open, held from April 9–12, 2026, at Eriksdalsbadet in Stockholm, gathers some of the world’s best swimmers for competition. This year's event marks the 10-year anniversary of the Malmsten Swim Open, celebrated under the theme Golden Edition.
I found out about Sarah Sjöström's comeback last week and think it's fantastic news for the swimming world.
Among the competitors, Siobhan Haughey has been one of the world's fastest female swimmers this year, and she had not faced Sarah Sjöström until now, adding intrigue to the meet. Sjöström's time in the 50m freestyle gives her a good margin to qualify for the European Championships this summer, according to observers. The final of the Swim Open will be swum later in the evening, determining the outcome of her comeback race.
I look forward to seeing how Sarah Sjöström performs and admire her for returning after childbirth.
Sarah Sjöström should be proud of herself.
It feels great to go to the Olympics and compete in two events again.
It might be a match with Gretchen Walsh, but I aim to return to those times.
Since becoming a mother, I am less sensitive to sleep deprivation and can handle a busy schedule with less sleep.
I have become more tolerant of pain since becoming a mother.
I believe my back problems might be less severe because I train so much.
I feel I am not as strong in my legs as before, affecting my underwater work.
My preparation for the competition was different due to having a baby, including waking up at 5 AM.
My comeback is a family project with my husband Johan de Jong Skierus holding the fort at home.
If there’s a time I want to make it’s just to qualify to the European Championships.
I described my route to regain racing fitness after pregnancy, focusing on technique and training since January 2026.
Cameron McEvoy's men’s 50m freestyle world record is a big inspiration.
I am in better form than I was during all of 2025.
I am excited about returning to competition and doing it on home ground in front of Swedish audience.
I am not nervous now but might be at the competition.
I guessed I might have a time around 24.7 on a good day, plus or minus two tenths.