Berlin (VG) For the second European Championship in a row, Sebastian Barthold (32) became a father just before the tournament – leaving his mother and now two children shortly after giving birth.
- Sebastian Barthold (32 years old) became a father for the second time before the handball tournament in Germany.
- In 2021, he had to leave his wife and daughter immediately after giving birth to participate in the tournament.
- This time he got a few weeks at home with his second daughter, Emma, before the European Commission.
- Bartold is an important player for Norway and could play a pivotal role in their European Championship opener against Poland.
- Kona Line confirms that this is not a dream situation, but she appreciates the help from the family.
– New EC, new “baby”. I don't quite know if we planned it well, that we race with the guys right before the tournament, says Barthold to VG and laughs.
In 2021, the left-winger became a father on Christmas Eve, when his wife Line Bjornsen gave birth to his daughter Elijah. After just over a week, he had to leave them due to the tournament with Norway.
“I've done a lot in my life, but it's definitely the worst thing I've ever done,” Barthold said at the time.
Before the European meeting took place here in Germany, almost the same thing happened again. This time the man from Barum became Emma's father on November 23 and had to leave the family just over a month later.
– He allowed me to stay Little Longer with Al-Walid this time compared to the previous tournament, Barthold confirms with a smile.
He is married to the sister of his teammate in the Norwegian team and in the Danish club Aalborg, Christian Björnsen (35 years old). The latter was not very impressed with his brother-in-law's planning.
-He is happy to become a father and travel far away. I don't know if it's good at home, but she can handle it, says Christian Björnsen to VG, smiling.
-What does your sister say about this?
-At first, she's happy to get one, but the timing is terrible.
Line, a sister, wife and new mother of two, says she wishes Barthold Sr. was at her home in Denmark with their two young daughters.
– Heh heh. I can say that this is not a dream situation, but at least he got more time at home this time, says Line Bjørnsen to VG.
Fortunately, her visit took place during Barthold's absence, which could last for about a month if Norway reaches the semi-finals of the European Commission Championship.
-I get a lot of help from my parents. “Mum and dad are with us in Aalborg, and I'm very happy about that,” says Line.
On Thursday evening, Barthold could play an important role in the European Championship opener against Poland. According to national team manager Jonas Wille, the 32-year-old looked very good in the first week of travel ahead of the tournament, as Norway played training matches against Denmark, the Netherlands and Egypt.
-Sebastian has been very sharp so far. He played against Denmark and scored some very important goals. He is a master of death. He and Bjornsen are a bit similar there. They are important in the group, very good at defending and good at preparing, Willy tells VG.
Back at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Berlin at 20.30. The match will be shown on TV 3.
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