Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom Set to Enter Den Of American 200 Free Lionesses At Pro …


Sarah Sjostrom by Patrick B. Kraemer
Sarah Sjostrom by Patrick B. Kraemer

When USA Swimming’s Pro Series resumes next week with a three-day stop in Austin (Jan. 15-17), the meet will have an early Olympic feel. Not only are many of the top performers from the United States scheduled to race, some elite European names are listed on the psych sheet, including Swedish standout Sarah Sjostrom.

The reigning world champion and world-record holder in the 100 butterfly, Sjostrom is slated to compete in multiple events. Notably, Sjostrom is looking at a 200 freestyle showdown that is also expected to feature the past two world champions, Katie Ledecky and Missy Franklin, and the reigning Olympic champion in Allison Schmitt.

Sjostrom bypassed the 200 freestyle at last summer’s World Championships, opting to focus on her other events, but the Swede finished the year with the fastest time in the world, a clocking of 1:54.31. That effort came in a leadoff performance in the 800 freestyle relay. Sjostrom has already indicated that she’ll contest the 200 free at next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and next week’s meet in the Lonestar State will bring the opportunity to race against foes who are likely to be her biggest challenges for gold.

In addition to Sjostrom, Ledecky and Franklin all taking on multi-event schedules, Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte will headline the men’s events. If they remain entered in the events noted on the psych sheet, Phelps and Lochte will be part of a sterling field in the 100 butterfly, where Joseph Schooling, Jack Conger and Tom Shields are also expected to compete.

Other big names entered in the meet include Natalie Coughlin, Katinka Hosszu, Ous Mellouli, Jeremy Stravius, Nathan Adrian and Vlad Morozov.

Here’s a look at the psych sheet.