Tyra Axnér left Sweden directly after graduation.
Just in time for the Olympics in Paris, the 22-year-old has moved again – to the French top club Metz.
The apartment is not ready yet, but my stuff is down there anyway, says the handball star.
The women's national team has gathered in Gothenburg for a rehearsal match against the Netherlands on Friday and to train together before the Olympic premiere against Norway on August 25.
Around the city, the youth tournament Partille Cup is underway, and after the press conference, Tyra Axnér and national team teammate Nina Koppang will head out to meet the Swedish U16 national team.
It's gone fast since the duo played with U16 six years ago, notes Tyra Axnér.
Yes, I got a memory on my phone from when I was here and played six years ago. It feels very close, even though I've experienced a lot since then, she says.
"Knackigt self-confidence"
Tyra Axnér made her national team debut in 2022 and was selected for the European Championship the same year. Last winter, she played her second championship, the World Championship in Sweden and Denmark.
It eventually became a good championship for her – despite a shaky start after a tough autumn in the club team Nykøbing Falster.
I came from a season that went well, but then I sat a lot on the bench during the championship, she says.
I came to the World Championship with a bit of shaky self-confidence. It maybe reflected a bit in my game. I had a lot of post- and rib-shots and shot a bit narrowly. But then it released.
"Very good step"
Tyra Axnér was only 18 when she left Lugi and signed with Danish Ikast. After a season, she moved to Nykøbing Falster and now the moving truck has gone again – and much further.
The French top club Metz has racked up titles and had great success even internationally. Recently, Tyra Axnér visited the city and the new home arena.
It's a big step, it feels very exciting and fun. I've had time to get used to the idea, but it was nice to see both the arena and the city.
National team coach Tomas Axnér, also her father, would like to see more Swedish players take the step to the bigger European clubs.
Ideally, you want all players in such an environment, he says.
It's a much higher load in those clubs, but I think it's a very good step for, for example, Tyra and for Nina Koppang (bound for Vipers Kristiansand).
Group A: Norway, Germany, Slovenia, Sweden, Denmark, South Korea.
Group B: Hungary, Netherlands, Spain, France, Brazil, Angola.
The top four in each group advance to the quarterfinals.
Sweden's matches (all in Paris):
July 25: Norway (9:00 PM).
July 28: Germany (2:00 PM).
July 30: Denmark (9:00 PM).
August 1: South Korea (11:00 AM).
August 3: Slovenia (4:00 PM).
Quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal matches will be played in Lille on August 6, 8, and 10, respectively.
