Ellen Wangerheim has played in Damallsvenskan and junior national teams, and that before the age of 18. But when she suffered a cruciate ligament injury last year, it put a spanner in the works for her development at an important stage in her career. But Wangerheim believes she can be strengthened by the challenge she has had over the past year.
– As sad as it is to be away for a year, this year in the gym has given me an incredible amount in how I have been able to build up my body and get to know myself. It's very much up and down. You have to teach yourself when to be sad and when to actually gather strength and just keep going," she told SVT Sport.
Yesterday she played the first match in a year, the one with Hammarbys F19. Then the feeling was better than she first thought it would be.
"I thought I'd think about it more than I do. So I've probably done well to put that behind me. It can probably be a barrier for many.
Now awaits a tough season where the talent wants to return to Damallsvenskan, and become better than she was before the injury. But it is not something that should be rushed.
"Right now, we talk a lot about being patient. Check each workout how I feel, how I'm developing. We'll take it day by day and when I'm ready, I'll play.