With about 15 meters left, he realized that he could celebrate a sensational gold in just a few seconds.
When she's lying with the others with 15 meters left, there's no one else who can match her. Then I thought that this could go all the way. When I then saw "number one" standing, I screamed for five minutes, says Lutula.
Lutula came in late in Sjöström's outstanding career. Only two years ago, he took over as head coach for Sweden's greatest swimmer of all time on a daily basis.
Not an easy job.
But all the more challenging.
The Crown Jewel
He also took over the responsibility for Michelle Coleman. Under Lutula, both took further steps in their development last year. This led to him being awarded as Europe's best swim coach by the large international swim site Swimswam.
Sjöström reached new heights last year when she, in addition to her two new World Championship golds, set a world record for the first time in seven years, on 50 meters freestyle.
Wednesday evening's Olympic Games gold on 100 freestyle is the crown jewel. It was a distance she had previously decided to strike and doubted until the last minute whether to swim in Paris.
Despite being highly involved in the detailed work and planning, he did not want to take the slightest credit.
It's Sarah's gold. The entire national team leadership has been involved, he says, instead directing thanks to the other coaches at the national elite center in Eriksdalshallen, the Swedish Swimming Federation, and the Swedish Olympic Committee. And a few more.
Not Surprised
He is not surprised that Sjöström rose to the occasion in a race with the toughest competition.
Everyone knows that every time Sarah dives in, it can go all the way. She can win gold.
Rarely has swimmer Sjöström shown such strong emotions as shortly after 20.30 on the last day in July.
Antonio Lutula understands why.
The Olympic Games are the biggest thing in our sport. It's such a huge prestige and it's only held every four years.
Lutula expressed himself in optimistic terms already in February about Sjöström's chances in the summer's Olympic Games.
Then he said:
We're in a very good phase. Then it's about setting the details, and then we know it will go a long way.
Provides Energy
Now he says:
I think it will give an incredible amount of energy to the Swedish team.
Won't it cost too much ahead of 50 meters this weekend?
I think it will rather give energy. Now it's important to get some food, go to bed on time, and then she has two calm days before the 50 freestyle starts, says Lutula.
