While we thought that that Swedish swimmer Sarah Sjostrom had a very good chance of breaking the US Open record in the 100 fly this evening, we weren’t quite as prepared to see the US Open record fall in the 100 freestyle.
Yet, Sjostrom kicked off her double tonight in an impressive fashion, winning the women’s A-final in a time of 53.12 and breaking the US Open record previously held by Australian sprinter Cate Campbell. That record had stood since 2008, when Campbell swam a 53.30 at the Santa Clara Grand Prix.
Tonight Sjostrom beat a loaded field that included world record holders Katie Ledecky, Katinka Hosszu, and Missy Franklin, among others. American Abby Weitzeil led at the 50, turning in 25.62, but Sjostrom had the fastest second 50 and came back in 27.29 to win.
While perhaps known a little more for her butterfly prowess, Sjostrom is certainly no stranger to the 100 free. She earned silver medals in this event at the last two world championships, and has a personal best time of 52.67, which she swam in 2014 at the European Aquatic Championships.
Sjostrom only has about 35 minutes between the finals of the 100 free and 100 fly tonight, but we could very well be seeing another US Open record by her in just a few minutes. The US Open record currently sits at 56.42, set by Dana Vollmer in 2012, and Sjostrom swam a 56.72 this morning.
