Physically stressed and fast-paced - handball is a sport that polarises. In public, however, handball is not one of the “big players” like football or basketball, for example. In Switzerland, the sport is one of the fringe sports and is only partially funded, there are no lucrative professional leagues. Rebecca Wyer discovered her love for the aforementioned ball sport at KTV Visp, the only handball club in Upper Valais; meanwhile she already has several stations in Switzerland behind her. Here she answers a few exciting questions about this physical sport.
How long have you been playing handball?
Rebecca: I've been playing handball since second grade. The KTV Visp was the only contact point in the Upper Valais for young people who wanted to try out and practice this ball sport. With the exception of a few other handball clubs in the Lower Valais, Valais is generally more of an exotic area for handball.
Where are you currently playing?
At the moment I'm playing in eastern Switzerland at HV Olten in the second highest women's league in Switzerland, the "Spar Premium League 2". If you want to try your hand at a higher level, unfortunately you have no choice but to leave the Upper Valais.
Biggest challenges of your career so far?
In 2013, at the age of 16, I had a double herniated disc from which I have recovered very well. After that, I was spared serious injuries for a while until I tore my cruciate ligament in 2017. Another injury that takes nine months and countless painful and time-consuming treatments to heal completely.
Looking back on my injuries, I would say that my biggest personal challenge has always been to come back from serious injuries and to be able to perform at the same level afterwards.
You've also had a few team changes: what's it like to join a new team as a player?
Basically, the beginning in a new team is always something special, because you first have to get used to the new tactics as well as to the new teammates. Internal agreements as well as timing matters have to be imported first and don't work right away. But that's normal. My teammates made my debut in the team extremely easy with a hospitable and loving manner.
How long was the dream of professional handball life real?
The dream of becoming a professional handball player was never really a reality for me. In addition to the German Handball Women's Bundesliga, there is also a well-paid professional league in Hungary. However, these leagues are very rare and the competition is fierce. Unfortunately, women's handball is not popular enough in Switzerland to make a living from it.
How (difficult/easy) is it to reconcile school and sport?
I was lucky enough to be able to attend the sports school at the Orientation School in Visp and the sports school at the Kollegium Spiritus Sanctus in Brig. Thanks to these opportunities, I never really had any problems juggling school and sport. Even now, during my studies, I can flexibly combine the lectures with my training schedule.
How much self-discipline does one have to have in order to reconcile school and sport?
I think that a certain self-discipline is certainly necessary. Thanks to the opportunity to attend several sports schools, I never had to spend too much time in my free time or do without things. I am also very grateful for that.
Your opinion on CBD?
I have very good experiences with ZUYA ZERO made. It helped me to prevent tension and to be able to relax even after rigorous training sessions. Regeneration is an essential thing in handball. Heavy legs and poor recovery are major disadvantages in a fast sport. ZUYA ZERO helped me to prevent "heavy legs" and to tackle the next unit well regenerated.
What about your future goals?
My goal for the season is definitely to achieve promotion to the "Spar Premium League 1" with my club. In addition, I always pursue the goal of being able to constantly develop myself further and to have fun with handball. Fun and joy have always been my priority.
