Johanna Westberg was a leading player in the 2017 World Cup when Sweden made it to the semi-finals. But she was missing in both the European Championships 2018 and the World Cup at the end of last year when she had children last summer. In March, Sweden qualifies for an Olympic ticket - and now she is ready for a comeback in the national team.
- I'm really back and talked to "Sigge" (Henrik Signell, the union captain) as late as last week. He has watched some of my matches. I really feel ready, says Johanna Westberg to SVT Sport.
How hungry are you to get back to the national team?
- I'm really sucked when I missed both the European Championships and the World Cup. Now I really want to be involved in the Olympic qualification and hopefully I will take a place. There is great competition in my position.
"Have patience"In late October, Westberg made a comeback in the club team Nyköping Falster HK, which plays in the Danish league.
- The first matches I felt that there were many parameters missing. But lately I think it feels completely different. I'm starting to get up to the level I was at before pregnancy even though there are some things I still miss.
Did it take longer to come back than you imagined?
- I agreed with the attitude that it should take the time it takes. Then I always hoped it would go faster when some people came back after two months, she says and continues:
- And when talking to others they think it took longer because they compare with others. But all pregnancies, births and bodies are unique. I think you should fit in to compare with each other because I have had a pretty calm attitude and I want to be able to play handball for several more years.