Iceland’s Steinunn Björnsdóttir Prepares for European Handball Championship Debut

Iceland Women’s Handball Team Gathers Ahead of European Championship

The Iceland women’s national handball team has convened today for training and preparation ahead of the European Championship, which kicks off next week. Among the seasoned players is Steinunn Björnsdóttir, who is set to embark on her first major tournament. At 33, the line player has spent her entire career with Fram and has been a key figure in the national team. She expresses a mix of excitement and nerves as the European Championship approaches. “There’s a bit of buzz and excitement. I haven’t been part of such a big project with the national team before, so there’s also some uncertainty,” she admits.

Steinunn’s Journey: From Near Misses to New Beginnings

Steinunn was part of Iceland’s training squad for the 2012 European Championship but did not make the final team. As one of the last defensive players to be cut, she recalls it was not a major setback. “It was a small blow but an honor to be in that group. I remember receiving very heartfelt messages from Þórey Rósa. They were very memorable and helped me a lot,” she reflects.

Her journey took another turn when Steinunn became pregnant, causing her to miss last year’s World Championship where Iceland participated unexpectedly. “I got pregnant, and both Rut and I were expecting, so we missed it,” Steinunn shares, admitting she feared never making it to a major tournament. “Yes, I admit it. I did think about it. I’m not getting any younger and have become a mother of two. But I was aware of this, and the group set this goal four years ago to make it to this major tournament.”

Balancing Family and Professional Sports

The teams from the Netherlands and Germany, which Iceland will face at the European Championship, consist solely of professional players, most of whom have not had children. This reality presents a greater challenge for many Icelandic players in balancing family life with the demands of the competition. “I don’t want to belittle the sacrifices they’re making in handball, but it’s definitely more of a juggling act for us, piecing together family life and dealing with that mom’s guilt that creeps in. I believe one becomes a stronger version of oneself by doing what one enjoys, and a better mother in the process,” Steinunn asserts.

Family Support: A Key to Steinunn’s Participation

Steinunn credits her ability to participate in handball to her family’s support, who will accompany her to Innsbruck for the European Championship. Her parents will play a crucial role in the lead-up to the tournament. “Pretty much the whole family is coming out. Grandma and grandpa are coming along with me for the training camps, allowing me to bring my little one, who is turning one soon. There was growing anxiety within me about leaving him for the first time and for such a long period. I saw no other option but to ask grandma and grandpa to come with me,” Steinunn explains, noting that the rest of her family will join them in Innsbruck.

Realizing a Long-Awaited Dream

As the tournament approaches, Steinunn feels more and more the reality of attending a major tournament for the first time. “I think I just need a little wake-up call. I’m not quite grasping the stage I’m stepping onto. Maybe it’s positive for me that I adapt quickly and don’t make too much of things, just going with the flow as they say,” she muses.

Facing Strong Competition

Iceland finds itself in a strong group with the Netherlands, Germany, and Ukraine at the European Championship, with the top two teams advancing to the main round. What are Steinunn’s expectations? “We are in an extremely strong group against very strong nations, especially the Netherlands and Germany. First and foremost, it’s about developing our game. We’ve made great strides, and it’s about taking steps forward so we can look back and feel that we’ve done our best,” she emphasizes.

Future Uncertain: A Decision Looms

Steinunn is contracted with Fram until the end of the current season, but she has not yet decided on her future. “It’s definitely nearing the end. – So you might retire in the spring, even? – Yes, I don’t rule it out,” she concludes.

This article provides a thorough overview of Steinunn Björnsdóttir’s involvement with the Icelandic women’s national handball team as they prepare for the European Championship. It highlights her personal journey, the challenges of balancing professional sports with family life, and the crucial support from her family that enables her participation. Furthermore, it touches on the competitive landscape of the tournament and Steinunn’s potential future in handball.

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