– This was not an easy choice for me. I had spent the year after Tokyo feeling a sense of surrender. After Tokyo, I continued my studies in Bergen and the time and motivation needed to rise internationally was no longer strong after all these years, says Sarah Louise.

– I feel relieved saying it out loud, but also sad and mixed because swimming means a lot to me. I have achieved what I wanted in the pool and I want a professional career after sports.

Sarah Louise studied nutrition in Bergen and continued her master’s studies in clinical nutrition. His interest in health and nutrition emerged through sports after working closely with health equipment for many years. The education gave Sarah Louise the opportunity to work in the public and private sectors, as well as in the field of sport.

Players who create value in the national team

Sarah Louise is the most successful athlete ever to participate in Norwegian swimming and one of Norway’s winningest para-athletes. In the national team, apart from fantastic results, Sarah Louise also stands out as a culture bearer and value creator. A very valuable contribution according to national team manager Petter Løvberg.

– In the national team, we are one team. We are not separated from the Paranas team separately. We are the national swimming team. Sarah has led the way in terms of training culture. He has trained relentlessly at the same level as those who are able-bodied, so he has been a role model for the values ​​and training culture that the Swimming Association wants to maintain, the national team manager said.

– To create a performance culture, you must create a culture of exceptionally good training and good values ​​and attitudes within the group. Sarah, with her results and willingness to train just like everyone else, has led the way in this regard. It’s hard for able-bodied athletes to whine when they see Sarah come to practice every day smiling and full of energy. And besides, he works out as much or more than most people.

A decade of incredible medal wins

The years 2009 to 2021 will forever be one of the best decades in Norwegian para-swimming. In this period, Sarah Louise won 53 of Norway’s total 87 championship medals. This was something that no one had ever done before and earned him a position as one of Norway’s most successful athletes, regardless of sport. One of the people who accompanied her throughout the trip was Sarah Louise’s trainer, Morten Eklund.

– I have every special person allowed to be part of the apparatus around Sarah. I have been part of an incredible journey where we have grown together as coaches/athletes and as people. Norwegian para-sport also developed in this period and became more professional. Sarah has become one of her profiles and is constantly breaking new barriers. He has been an excellent ambassador for all Norwegian sports, which the Swedish Swimming Association can be proud of, said Morten Eklund.

The journey towards the goal has become his driving force

The medal cabinet speaks for itself, and no one doubts that Sarah Louise has worked hard to achieve her achievements. He is also proud of his achievements, but it is not just the medals he will look back on fondly.

– Swimming has been a big part of my life for many years. For me, sport is more than just an achievement and is a journey towards a goal that is the driving force for me. I want to look back on the journey and the relationships I’ve created, more than just the accomplishments. Therefore, I would also like to thank everyone who has been with me on the road. The coaches, support staff and swimming colleagues who have contributed to my incredible career, said Sarah Louise.

Although Sarah Louise has now chosen to end her swimming career, the national team manager wants her to remain in the fold and contribute her skills in a new role.

– Sarah never chose the easy path and that is why we can now look back at the results she has achieved. I have spoken with Sarah about the possibility of using her in a new role at NSF. The combination of his education and background as an elite athlete can be an inspiration and provide great value to our athletes. So I see a great opportunity to continue collaborating with him, says Petter Løvberg.

Selected highlights from Sarah Louise Rung’s swimming career:

53 championship medals

– 12 WC golds, 13 EC golds and nine Para-Olympic medals

Nine Paralympic medals from the 2012 and 2016 Olympics

– Four gold, three silver, two bronze

Named “Female athlete of the year” at the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 Sports Gala.

Voted “Role model of the year” at the 2015 Sports Gala