Biography:
Stine Bredal Oftedal is a prominent Norwegian handball player known for her exceptional skills and leadership both on and off the court. Born on September 25, 1991, in Nittedal, Oftedal has emerged as one of the most successful athletes in her sport, making significant contributions to the Norwegian national team and the clubs she has played for. Her achievements, dedication, and talent have solidified her position as a role model for aspiring athletes, especially women, both in Norway and around the world.
Growing up in Nittedal, Oftedal discovered her passion for sports at an early age. Before focusing on handball, she initially excelled in the javelin throw and achieved considerable success. At the age of 13, she threw an impressive distance of 32.08 meters, showcasing her athleticism and determination. As she transitioned to handball, Oftedal’s natural abilities and drive propelled her to new heights.
Oftedal began her club career in her hometown, playing for Nit/Hak HK. She then continued to Fjellhammer IL before joining Helset IF. Her move to Helset allowed her to play for Stabæk Håndball, one of the top handball teams in Norway. Oftedal’s skill and potential were evident during her time with Stabæk, and her performances garnered attention from clubs abroad.
In 2013, Oftedal embarked on a new chapter in her career by joining the French club Issy-Paris Hand. During her tenure with the team, she achieved remarkable success, being named the player of the year in the French top league three times (2014, 2016, and 2017). Her stellar performances and leadership abilities caught the eye of handball enthusiasts worldwide.
In 2017, Oftedal embarked on yet another exciting journey, signing with the Hungarian club Gyri ETO KC. Her transfer to Gyri ETO KC proved to be immensely fruitful, as she contributed significantly to the team’s success. Oftedal played a pivotal role in helping Gyri ETO KC secure victory in the Women’s EHF Champions League in 2018 and 2019, solidifying her place as one of the best players in the world.
Oftedal’s accomplishments are not confined to her club career alone. As a vital member of the Norwegian national team, she has been the team captain since 2015. Her leadership qualities and exceptional play have propelled Norway to several prestigious victories. Oftedal played a crucial role in the team’s triumph at the IHF World Women’s Handball Championship in 2011, 2015, and 2021. She also played a key role in Norway’s victory at the European Women’s Handball Championship in 2010, 2014, 2016, 2020, and 2022.
In addition to her World and European titles, Oftedal has also achieved success at the Olympic Games. She won bronze medals at the 2016 Summer Olympics and the 2020 Summer Olympics, further cementing her reputation as a formidable handball player on the international stage.
Oftedal’s contributions to the sport have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, she was honored by the International Handball Federation with the prestigious title of World Handball Player of the Year. This recognition highlights not only her individual excellence but also her impact on the sport and her team’s success.
Off the court, Oftedal is known for her dedication to her studies. She attended BI Norwegian Business School, demonstrating her commitment to balancing her athletic and academic pursuits. Moreover, her personal life is also a source of inspiration, as she is the older sister of fellow handball player Hanna Oftedal Sagosen. Additionally, Oftedal is in a relationship with fellow handballer Rune Dahmke, and the couple got engaged on June 23, 2023.
Stine Bredal Oftedal’s journey as a professional handball player has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the sport. Her remarkable achievements and exemplary leadership have made her a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes, particularly young women. Oftedal’s unwavering dedication, tenacity, and remarkable skill have solidified her place as one of the most accomplished handball players in history.
Awards:
– IHF World Player of the Year: 2019
– Olympic Games:
– Bronze Medalist: 2016, 2020
– IHF World Women’s Handball Championship:
– Winner: 2011, 2015, 2021
– Silver Medalist: 2017
– European Women’s Handball Championship:
– Winner: 2010, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2022
– Silver Medalist: 2012
– Junior World Championship:
– Winner: 2010
– Junior European Championship:
– Winner: 2009
– European EHF Champions League:
– Winner: 2018, 2019
– Finalist: 2022
– Bronze medalist: 2021, 2023
– Domestic Nemzeti Bajnokság I:
– Winner: 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023
– Hungarian Cup:
– Winner: 2018, 2019, 2021
– Norwegian Cup:
– Finalist: 2011, 2012
– All-Star Left Wing of the U18 European Open: 2008
– All-Star Centre Back of the Junior World Championship: 2010
– All-Star Centre Back of Postenligaen: 2010/2011
– French Championship MVP: 2014
– All-Star Centre Back of the World Championship: 2015
– French Championship Best Playmaker: 2014, 2016
– Most Valuable Player of the World Championship: 2017
– All-Star Centre Back of the European Championship: 2018, 2020, 2022
– All-Star Centre Back of the EHF Champions League: 2019