“The speed and the action are what I love about handball and there are always lots of goals. I think it’s the ultimate team sport: full of action, tackles, goals, speed and skill.

You don’t get that with many other sports, especially at

an Olympics.

I loved the intensity of training when I started, but also as a goalkeeper you are constantly involved. There’s very little time to get bored!

I swapped from football to handball because of the potential opportunity to represent GB at an Olympic Games, especially in London. Adapting to the new sport was quite challenging and I don’t think I’ll ever stop learning or improving. I also had to move to Denmark, so being away from friends and family, and in particular my girlfriend, was very tough. Things like MSN and Skype were a massive help with that.

The amount of training we do is the hardest thing about it. We train two to three times a day and have video analysis once or twice a week.

Why do I keep doing it? Well, the progress and improvement that I see keeps me striving to be better, but I also want to see an improvement in the level of the game in the UK, so that drives me on.

I’d recommend the sport to First News readers because

it is different to anything you have ever tried, but at the same time has elements of popular sports like rugby, football and basketball. It has something for everyone! I think you would enjoy learning the skills and the physical nature of the game. Once you pick up the basics, it becomes a lot of fun.

It’s a great form of exercise, but is also a great team sport. If you try it, hopefully it will create friendships and develop discipline and respect for others.”