Power People: Sarah Sjöström

Power People celebrates individuals who carve out their own paths – in their careers, lives, and parenthood. Swimmer and multi‑medal champion Sarah Sjöström shows that passion, discipline, and curiosity don’t disappear when a new chapter begins. They evolve. We talked to Sarah about how becoming a parent has shaped her everyday life, her performance view, and why she sees this phase as the beginning of something new.

We met Sarah in a photo studio in Stockholm. She describes how life has changed since little Adrian arrived – not by becoming harder, but by becoming clearer.

– I think you become a bit more resilient as a parent. Before, it didn’t take much for a day to feel like it started wrong. Now most mornings start great, even if they’re sometimes stressful.

She explains that she has more stamina now, both physically and mentally.

– I can handle so much in a day. I have the energy to train, to get things done – I’m just going.

It’s not a brand‑new version of her, more the same person with another dimension.

– I feel like I’m still the same. There’s no major redefinition of who I am.

Sarah and Adrian in the Najell Easy vol. 2 – Honey Beige

Parenthood has also sharpened her efficiency. Time is used differently now.

– It’s like you become more efficient when you have a child. You do things faster.

Getting out the door takes more planning these days, but the priorities are clear.

“Priority number one is always that Adrian is doing well. Everything else comes after.”

Adrian arrived chaotically – in the ambulance outside the maternity ward at the end of August 2025. Despite everything happening at once, one moment has stayed especially strong for Sarah, just minutes after the birth.

– We didn’t know if it was a boy or a girl. He was lying on my chest, and about fifteen minutes later, I asked if I could lift him. ‘Let’s see what this is!’ It turned into a bit of a Lion King moment.

She describes how surreal it was to understand that he was truly here.

– You kind of don’t believe you’re pregnant until you see the ultrasound. And then suddenly he was there. It was incredible.

After the pregnancy, Sarah felt an unexpected physical strength.

– I felt extremely strong really quickly. I could handle training volume without soreness. There was a lot of power.

And everyday life becomes its own workout.

– You carry around 10 kilos all the time – that’s great strength training.

Curiosity has always driven Sarah, and it’s stronger than ever.

"I’ve always been driven by curiosity about what I’m capable of. Now I’m curious about the level I can return to after pregnancy."

She describes the comeback journey as a family project – something that takes time, but feels full of possibilities.

– Right now, the focus is on finding a routine in training and a level my body can handle. I’m starting from scratch and not comparing myself to where I used to be physically. But I do compare day to day, and it’s amazing to see all the progress.

When asked about future goals, championships are still part of the picture.

"There’s a major championship every year that I’m aiming for over the next three years."

Being able to continue competing depends heavily on support.

– I’m so grateful we have family nearby and a great team around me. It helps enormously.

She also points out the importance of her partner.

– Johan isn’t a babysitter – he’s the dad. I know Adrian is doing great with him.

Her view of success isn’t about medal counts, records, or titles anymore. It includes more perspectives now.

– No matter what happens when I start competing again, the priority is that Adrian is okay.

The small moments mean more than you’d expect.

– A good day can be something as simple as him being able to sit on his own.

Quick Three

Morning routine: Coffee, morning news, make the bed
Always in the bag: Diapers and something to drink
One word for this life phase: Curiosity