Nothing can beat representing your nation on the world’s biggest stage. Yes, it takes a lot more than just talent and skills. Putting in numerous hours of training and dedicating every waking minute to the sport. And who better to attest to this than Swedish swimming sensation Sarah Sjöström? The 31-year-old’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. From disliking the sport due to water blocking her glasses to now forging her name into the history books, she sure has come a long way.

Well before making her Olympic debut, the Swede had left an indelible mark in the pool by bagging medals at the World Championships. Yet, even though the odds were in her favor, things didn’t work out as expected in 2008 and 2012. However, she came back stronger than ever, becoming the first female swimmer from her nation in the 2016 Games. This year in Paris, she brought up her tally to 6 Olympic medals. If you thought she was done with the world’s grandest stage, then you would be wrong. What do we mean?

Sarah Sjöström drops a massive hint

The Olympian stepped into her first Summer Games at the tender age of 14. While she didn’t bag any shiny hardware, it was the beginning of a spectacular journey. Sarah Sjöström walked into her fifth consecutive berth as a 31-year-old. However, she proved that age is just a number. With her stunning performances, she upset an impressive lineup in the París La Défense Arena and won 2 Olympic golds amidst a thunderous cheer. But will she return to defend her titles in 2028?

Speaking to Dagens Nyheter, a Swedish newspaper, the Olympian confessed she didn’t intend on competing during the 2025 season. On the other hand, there was a long-term goal in mind. “I will train, but at a low load and then slowly increase. I think that is the best way to last in the long run…Just qualifying for a sixth Olympics would be awesome,” the 31-year-old admitted. After bagging 6 medals in five Summer Games, Sjöström doesn’t want to slow down.

During her recent stint in Paris, things looked ever so grim when Sweden finished fifth in the women’s 4x100m. However, the swimming phenom turned things around in the 100m free by nabbing an Olympic gold with 52.16 seconds on the clock. But would you believe it if we told you Sarah Sjöström wasn’t expecting the victory? Reflecting on her performance in the women’s relay, the 14x World Championships gold medalist’s confidence was understandably shaken.

On the other hand, someone in her corner was optimistic. “My coach insisted. And also, I have been dreaming a few times that I would win…it’s almost like I’ve seen it somewhere before that I’m going win in the 100 freestyle,” the Olympian stated. Oddly enough, the Olympian had only committed to the event weeks before the Games began. Yet, she finished 0.13 seconds ahead of silver medalist Tori Huske.

But this wasn’t the only medal she clinched in Paris. Sarah Sjöström added another notch to her legacy on the final evening of the Games with her second gold in París La Défense Arena. Set to contest in the women’s 50 freestyle, she pulled off a double whammy by scorching to the finish in 23.71 seconds on the clock. While she proved the naysayers wrong with her stunning performance, the 31-year-old has a pretty impressive resume. She hit one massive milestone last year. What was it?

The Olympian shattered Michael Phelps’ record

At the 2023 World Aquatics Championships, she looked forward to getting her hands on gold in the 50m free. But she did so much more than that. With a blistering time of 23.62 seconds, the swimmer broke her own record with a win. This sealed her 21st career medal in individual races. Want to know what’s interesting? The Flying Fish had 20 and also happened to be the previous world record holder. The 31-year-old successfully passed the swimming legend, etching her name in the history books.

Bear in mind that Sarah Sjöström only broke the record for individual races. This didn’t include relays, which Michael Phelps still holds the record with 13 relay medals. However, the Olympian became the first swimmer to win 6 same-event golds at the Worlds, proving herself a worthy opponent.

This incredible feat couldn’t go unrecognized, and the swimmer received her flowers on April 7. Euro Aquatics announced that she had clinched the Best Female Swimmer award for the fourth time in her career. According to an image on their Instagram, she had previously clinched the massive honor three consecutive times in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

The list didn’t include 2020, possibly due to the pandemic, but unsurprisingly, Sarah Sjöström bagged the honor in 2021. However, in a shocking turn of events, she didn’t clinch the award in 2022. Who won it that year, you ask? It was Ruta Meilutyte. The Swede rose through the ranks in 2023, rightfully taking back her crown. While she hasn’t explicitly announced her plans for 2028, would you like to see her back in the Olympic pool?