GWANGJU: Swedish swimmer Sarah Sjostrom led a moving tribute to Rikako Ikee at the world championships on Monday, calling the Japanese star a “real fighter” in the face of her leukaemia diagnosis.
Sjostrom stood alongside Margaret MacNeil and Emma McKeon on the medal podium with a message of support for the Japanese swim queen, a major rival of all three, scrawled on their palms.
“Never give up, Rikako Ikee,” read the tribute, alongside two love hearts, as the three 100m butterfly medallists held their hands out to the camera.
“I hope really that she (Ikee) will battle this cancer. She is a real fighter and the real winner,” said Sjostrom.
The 25-year-old Swede had been looking to become the first female swimmer to win five gold medals in a single individual event but was forced to settle for silver after a stunning race by MacNeil. – AFP
