Sjöström and Swimming Stars to Receive $4.6 Million Compensation Following ISL Dispute

In a significant legal development, Sarah Sjöström and fellow elite swimmers will be compensated after a settlement with the International Swimming Federation (FINA). The agreement allocates $4.6 million (over 42 million SEK) to a fund for swimmers contracted for the International Swimming League (ISL) during 2018 and 2019.

The ISL, which operated from 2019 until its suspension in 2021 due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, was founded by Ukrainian businessman Konstantin Grigorisjin. The tournament was financially robust, but FINA initially worked to undermine it, leading to threats against swimmers regarding their participation. Notably, Sjöström faced intimidation, including threats of suspension shortly before a World Cup event in Singapore.

The settlement followed a lawsuit filed by Hungarian swimmer Katinka Hosszu and American swimmers Tom Shields and Michael Andrew in California, representing several impacted athletes. Sjöström, a key performer in the ISL who won the series with her team, Energy Standard, and clinched MVP honors in both 2019 and 2021, is among those to benefit from this compensation.

While this settlement marks a pivotal step in resolving ongoing disputes, it's worth noting that the ISL has also filed its own lawsuit against FINA, which is still pending. This situation continues to unfold, highlighting the complexities of swimmer governance and financial entitlements within the sport.