In February 2019, the Japanese swimming star Rikako Ikee told that she was diagnosed with leukemia, only 18 years old.

At the WC in July the same year, the Swedish star Sarah Sjöström, together with two other swimmers, sent a greeting to Ikee.

Now, when Sjöström is forced to undergo surgery after an elbow fracture, Rikako Ikee responded with a similar greeting.

The Japanese has published a picture on Instagram where she shows the greeting and she writes: "Never give up!

Sarah!

She gave me strength.

Now it's my turn to give strength back to her. ”

Sarah Sjöström underwent surgery on Monday morning but there is still no information about when she may be back.