- It felt good and I felt stronger with every move I took, says Sjöström to SVT Sport.

Sjöström took hold of the race with 15-20 meters to go and was unthreatened.

On the course next door, Louise Hansson swam in as second in 25.91, third best time overall.

- It was nice to get another race and to get 25th again.

I continue to learn this distance, says Hansson.

The first semi was won by French Marie Wattel in 25.63.

At the trials this morning, Sarah Sjöström was fastest in her heat with a time of 25.30, while Louise Hansson was second in her heat in 25.88.

Sjöström's eight-year-old world record is 24.43.