Stine Oftedal has been one of the key players of the Norwegian national team since 2010. As a member of the team she is a two-time World Champion and a three-time European Champion and since 2016 she has got richer with an Olympic bronze medal. The one thing that’s missing is the trophy of the Champions League which she wants to get in green and white. The goals are getting clear, the team is hungry for success but let me introduce you the Norwegian center.
When did you start playing handball? Have you tried other sports too?
I encountered handball when I was 7 years old, I had been playing football and doing athletics for a short time before that. It’s a funny and recurring story that I broke the record of juvenile throwing that time in my age group, the long throw is not a disadvantage in handball either.
Why did you chose handball?
It was obvious for me, my mom was an active hadball player, when I was young, I was always with her in the arena, I spent a lot of time there and I got to like it. I tried all the other sports because of the team and my friends, but I always knew that handball was the sport that I loved the most.
How do you feel in Győr? Have you managed to get to know the city a little?
I have been her only for a short time, and we spent one week abroad during the training period. Anyway, I feel really good here, I feel that my team mates, who are very nice, accepted me easily. I have looked around in the city, I like what I have seen so far, there are many great places here. As for handball, the bar is high, I feel that it is a different level. I enjoy the trainings very much, I’m really satisfied that I can perform on a hard day too, I also surprise myself either.
What was your first thought when you got to know about the interest of the club?
I have to admit that Győr is the club which is always there in the top, this stability makes it very attractive. It has always been my dream to play here, which seems to come true now.
You know some members here from the Norwegian national team. How does it feel to play with such big names?
We have a very good relationship with Nora during playing in the national team, as we play next to each other because of our post. To train with her day by day is a great feeling not to mention Amorim, Groot, Görbicz who are also my team mates.
What are your goals for the new season?
Of course to win everything that’s possible. Of course it’s easier said than done, but it requires a lot of work to get there, and don’t forget that all the other teams are fighting for the same thing.
Being a two-time World Champion and a three-time European Champion and after the Olympic bronze, we can say that only the Champions League victory is missing, can’t we?
Absolutely. Of course it is my dream to win the Champions League, I will have three years for this in Győr, it would be unbelievable to do it for the first time.
What are your strength on the field?
I think my speed and that I’m able to change the rhythm fast are advantage, besides these I try to support my team mates by passing and assisting them. I am a positive and cheerful person outside the court, if I do something, I like doing it with all my efforts.
What do you think of the ETO fans?
I think the fan base of ETO is unique in women’s handball. Where ever the team plays, they are there and support them. You can feel their support all the time, however I have been here for a short time, but the other told me that they are there even when they have a bad day and it’s a really great support. I’m looking forward to play in a real match in front of them and feel the same.
What do you do in your free time?
I like watching films, if we have a day off, I like exploring new restaurants and places. I like going out, it’s good to be close to Budapest and Vienna so it’s easy to find a destination.
Are you nervous before matches?
Yes, I’m a little bit nervous, but I feel that I need it. Of course the level of anxiety is different depending on the match, I am more nervous before serious matches, but I think it’s necessary to a certain level.
If I’m not mistaken you’re through your first Hungarian lesson, how do you feel about the language? Do you know some words?
The first thing that our teacher drew our attention to is that probably we have never heard such a language and even if we have learned to speak at a certain level, it is not sure the we will be understood. So it seems really easy for the first time (laughing). I know some words, Gábor, the trainer has taught me how to say my post in Hungarian.
Do you have any message for the fans?
I’m really excited and looking forward to start the season in Győr’s colors. I hope the fans are also interested in me and I can earn their trust and they will support me as well.
Welcome to ETO, good luck on achieving your dreams.
