Sarah Sjostrom Registers Impressive Return to Racing in 50 Freestyle; Siobhan Haughey Claims Victory
One of the greatest sprinters in the history of the sport, Sarah Sjostrom got her 2026 season underway in strong fashion on Saturday at the Swim Open Stockholm. Racing in her home country, the reigning Olympic champion and world-record holder notched a runnerup finish in the 50-meter freestyle, as she was narrowly edged by Hong Kong Olympic medalist Siobhan Haughey. At the touch, Haughey prevailed with a time of 24.34, just ahead of the 24.36 of Sjostrom.
The competition in Stockholm marked Sjostrom’s first meet since just after the 2024 Olympic Games, where she secured double gold in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle. Sjostrom became a mother in late 2025 and returned to training earlier this year, with the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles as her long-term focus. This summer, Sjostrom is expected to compete at the European Championships in Paris.
During the early stages of her comeback, Sjostrom indicated she was taking a patient approach to her return to the sport, uncertain how quickly she would bounce back to form. Obviously, the veteran is on the right track, as a 24-low effort in the 50 freestyle is impressive for this point in the season. Sjostrom owns the world record in the event at 23.61, registered at the 2023 World Championships.
The 32-year-old Sjostrom made her Olympic debut at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and would compete in her sixth Games in Los Angeles in 2028. The addition of the 50-meter stroke events offers Sjostrom another opportunity to claim gold on the biggest stage in the sport, as she is the world-record holder in the 50 butterfly.
For Haughey, her 24.34 swim in Stockholm was just off her best time of 24.30, which she posted in World Cup competition in 2023. A four-time Olympic medalist between the 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle, Haughey’s effort over one lap is a positive sign that she is carrying early speed in the season.