Sarah Sjöström got off to a turbulent start in 2021.
In February, she slipped on a patch of ice and was forced to undergo surgery after suffering a fracture in her elbow.
But just six months later, she took Olympic silver in the 50 freestyle in Tokyo and also ended the year with seven medals at the World Short Course Championships in Abu Dhabi.
- It was a very tough start but then it became more fun the longer the year went with Olympic silver, seven World Cup medals and six European Championship medals.
I could not believe it there at the beginning of the year, says Sarah Sjöström to SVT Sport when she looks back on this year's past.
The 28-year-old says that she is proud of last year - especially considering the serious injury.
- Very proud.
Of course, I would have preferred the year to start as it did in 2021. But I'm proud of how I handled it.
This is the first time I am going through a serious injury, so far I have been very spared when it comes to injuries.
Of course, I'm glad I managed to get back in such a good way.
How tough was last year compared to previous years during your career?
- It is difficult to compare, all years have been difficult in their own way.
For many years I have handled pressure from myself, to swim well all season and to go into championships and handle all the expectations that others have of one.
2021 was different, no one expected me to win 100 Olympic golds as many people normally think.
Now it was tougher in another way, a different kind of challenge.
At Monday's Sports Gala, Sjöström was nominated for this year's achievement for the feat of taking Olympic silver shortly after the elbow operation.
However, the prize went to Nils van der Poel who took two World Cup golds and set two world records in skating in 2021.