Sarah Sjostrom had an incredible year in 2013, which was highlighted by her 100 butterfly win at the World Championships in Barcelona. Sjostrom won the same event at the 2009 World Championships at the age of 15, but was not able to win the event at a major international until Barcelona. She also finished second in the 100 freestyle at this year’s World Championships, setting a new Swedish record in the semi-finals posting a time of 52.87.
Sjostrom also had tremendous success in the 2013 World Cup series finishing in sixth place tied with Australia’s Emily Seebhom. During the series of eight competitions the Swedish star won the 50 freestyle once, the 100 freestyle once, the 200 freestyle twice, the 50 butterfly four times and the 100 butterfly once. Sjostrom set a new short course national record in her 200 freestyle in Eindhoven where she posted a 1:52.26.
Sjostrom also won four medals at the European Short Course Championships taking gold in the 50 and 100 butterfly, silver in the 50 and 100 freestyle as well as a silver in the 4 x 50 freestyle relay and bronze in the 4 x 50 medley relay.
For those accomplishments as well as her contribution to the community today it was announced that Sjostrom will receive the Mikael Ljungber Memorial Fund Scholarship. The criteria to receive the scholarship includes active participation in sport as well as living up to Mikael Ljungberg’s values - that is, to be honest, humble and just.
“It is an honor to receive the scholarship, especially when I know who has received it in the past,” Sjostrom was quoted as saying on the memorial fund website. “Moreover, it is a very good financial support for me when in swimming does not come up in any large incomes.”
Sjostrom will receive 50,000 SEK, which converts into roughly $7,500 USD.
The Mikael Ljunberg Memorial Fund was created in the memory of the Swedish wrestler who won Olympic gold at the 2000 Sydney Games. In November of 2004 while receiving treatment for depression Ljunberg sadly took his own life. His memory and dedication to not only his sport, but to his community lives on through the fund.
