Two of the national team’s stalwarts are Jamina Roberts and Nathalie Hagman. Both were at the European Championship in 2010 where they won silver and at the European Championship bronze four years later.
But since then there has been no Swedish championship medal.
32-year-old Nathalie Hagman, with 12 championships under her belt, does not see the end of her career yet – but is aware that the chances of winning a medal are getting fewer every year.
– I know I won’t play handball forever. The more championships that go, the fewer there will be left. At the same time, we have something exciting and good going on now. We have good chances in this championship even if it is a long way to some kind of medal. I hope for one more medal before I hang up my shoes, says Hagman.
33-year-old Jamina Roberts believes that her approach is different compared to the first championships she played.
– Then I understood nothing. I approach this in a completely different way compared to the first five championships I played. Now you feel more of a sense of security, which is nice and that’s an advantage when you’ve been with us for a long time. Then it will spread in the body when we run into Scandinavium, says Roberts, who is getting ready for his 16th championship.
It will be extra special to play in the hometown of Gothenburg.
– I have relatives from Norrland who are coming down to check. It’s fun that there has been such an interest. Now you’re in the middle of it and it’s going to be crazy fun. When I’m done with my career and have to look back, it will hopefully be an incredible memory. Although right now I’m trying not to make a big deal out of it. After all, it’s just handball and a championship. I’ve done that a few times before.