Hundreds of fans were on site at the Mall of Scandinavia in Solna on Wednesday to welcome Sweden's greatest swimmer of all time. Despite Sarah Sjöström returning from France with double Olympic Games gold (50 and 100 meter freestyle) she seemed almost surprised by the joy she was met with.
It was an incredibly fine reception, it really warmed to get to come in here and see this. I wasn't prepared for it at all, since I've been in the Olympic Games bubble for two weeks, she says to TT.
It doesn't mean that she hasn't felt the support before, she emphasizes.
I've of course felt the support from both Swedish fans and around the world on social media, but to have meetings like this is really fine.
Wants to break records
Have you now landed on the fact that you've taken two new Olympic Games gold?
Yes, it's starting to land a bit. It's really incredible. It lands especially when you come back a bit to reality at home in Sweden. It's powerful.
Already next week, Sarah Sjöström is aiming for new successes, when she will compete in her own gala at Eriksdalsbadet in Stockholm. The hope is to be able to break the world record on 50 meter freestyle and 50 meter butterfly in short course.
I haven't really swum short course competitions when I've been in super form before, that's why I wanted to plan this competition so I'd get the chance to swim short course when I'm in form, she says.
Maybe I'll break the world records, maybe not. But in any case, I think it's going to be an awesome competition.
Wedding awaits
She has already announced that she will make an effort to participate in the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028 – a promise she repeated from the stage in Solna.
How the exact plans for that look is still unclear. Closer in time is the wedding with her long-time fiancé Johan de Jong Skireus in Italy in September. There, the plans are in full swing.
The preparations are going well. We actually have a coordinator who's helping us a lot, but it's really fun to plan a wedding. It's going to be nice to gather friends and family and celebrate my and Johan's love, she says.
