It is now just over eight months since the elbow fracture and Sarah Sjöström has previously said that she lost about four centimeters in muscle mass after the operation.
- It is still not completely symmetrical between right and left so there is a little bit left.
But I'm well on my way and October was a good month to build some strength.
I got a long training period and that's a bit what I also need to get back some muscle mass.
So it will be a little challenge now that I have to compete a lot.
Ideally, you need a few more months of training before you are back one hundred percent, says Sjöström, who in October had no competition at all.
Strong form curve
After the hallmark of the Olympic silver medal and the final places during the Olympics in Tokyo, the 28-year-old has continued to line up strength messages in the competition pool with several victories and top places in the ISL.
In September, Sjöström hit, among other things, his fastest time of 50 meters free in the short course of four years, 23.17 seconds.
A time that still tops the European rankings this year in the distance.
So in terms of form and results, she is constantly taking steps forward even though her elbow is not completely restored.
- No, but it will take a while before the elbow is 100 percent restored.
I can swim without major worries and I still have some things that can be a little tougher, but that's not something I think about, says Sjöström.
- Especially not when I compete then it is really 100 percent in the race, so you can get a little sore afterwards but it usually passes quite quickly.
"Is super-tagged"
In a week, the European Short Course Championships will start in Kazan.
Sjöström's first short track EC since 2017 and also the start of two intense months with six competitions, including the short track WC in December.
- I'm super tagged.
It will be fun to get started with the competition again.
I have only been home and trained throughout October so it will be great fun to finally get started.
During the European Championships, Sarah Sjöström competes in four disciplines individually: 50 and 100 meters freestyle, 50 and 100 meters butterfly and 100 meters medley.
In addition, team caps are added.
- It will be a tough championship.
The goal is that I will try to run as many races as I have thought.
So it's an even tougher program than what I usually do, so it's going to be exciting to see how you do it during a six-day competition.
The European Short Course Championships are broadcast on Swedish Television, follow the final sessions live on SVT 2-7 November.