Many members of the global handball community have contributed to the fight against COVID-19. We share their stories in the special handball in healthcare series.

Healthcare workers have been deservedly widely praised and appreciated for their work to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, and one of the most high profile in the handball world is current Norway wing Malin Aune. 

Balancing her education alongside her professional handball career, the 2016 European champion and 24th IHF Women’s World Championship semi-finalist has been studying to become a nurse. 

When the Norwegian league, where she plays with club Vipers Kristiansand, cancelled the remainder of their season due to the pandemic, Aune started looking for opportunities to contribute in the field of healthcare. 

“I realised that there could be low staffing due to the coronavirus, and that they were looking for people with health education. I have not graduated and was therefore not sure if I could get a job,” Aune told Norwegian media, adding that with her study also on hold, she was eager to find a useful way to spend her time. 

Aune found a position in the psychiatric ward at Sørlandet Hospital, where she previously gained practical experience as part of her education. This department of the hospital does not suffer overburdens as a result of the pandemic as directly as other areas. 

In Norway, new guidelines related to COVID-19 restrictions were announced by the Public Health Institute and Directorate of Health on 11 May, and the Norwegian Handball Federation have released new training guidelines. Aune may therefore be back training with her club Vipers in the near future. 

In the coming season, Vipers will aim to reclaim the national title they have won three seasons running, and hope to replicate their most successful international performance – third in the Champions League in 2018/19.