Hammerseng is back

Norwegian star, Gro Hammerseng, did not step on court in FYR Macedonia at the EURO2008 in December. The elegant playmaker of Ikast/Brande needed a longer break in order to allow time for recreation and strengthening an injured knee. Norway won the EURO anyway…

Since New Year, Gro Hammerseng is back on the court with Ikast, and judging by her first matches after the break, the weeks without handball have done her good. In spite of Ikast suffering their first CL defeat this season on Saturday, Hammerseng did well in her club.

Eurohandball.com: What exactly did the long break mean for you?

Gro Hammerseng: It gave me the opportunity to do more physical trainings, which is not possible when you play matches all the time. I can feel that the break was good for my knee and my body. Of course, it would have been great to play at the EURO with Norway and in general I find it fantastic to play for the national team. But this break was really needed!

Eurohandball.com: Can you feel the difference now?

Gro Hammerseng: Yes, I definitely can. In the Champions League match against Győr, for instance, I played almost all 60 minutes and I was even able to play at a higher pace than in the autumn. My body and my knee are definitely in a better condition.

Eurohandball.com: The 7-meter shot converted by Mette Sjøberg may prove very important at the end. It means that you are better than Győr regarding direct encounters, but still you suffered your first defeat…

Gro Hammerseng: Yes, but I feel it was a match where we followed our opponents very closely all the way and I’m glad that we never gave up fighting. As you said, this last goal may become extremely important.

Eurohandball.com: However, now you will probably have to win at least one of the two difficult away matches against Zvezda Zvenigorod and Kometal.

Gro Hammerseng: Of course. They will be two hard away matches, but we will play against teams I think we can defeat. So the chance is still there. Our destiny is still in our own hands.