2023-12-18 14:08:06
Two and a half years after their Olympic title acquired in Tokyo, the French handball players claimed the world crown against the terrible Norway on Sunday December 17. “The supreme objective remains the gold medal at the Games,” explains the French coach, Olivier Krumbholz seven months before the Paris Olympics.
It must have been a compass. A competition to benchmark themselves, to test their offensive game after the slap of Euro 2022 and seven months before Paris 2024, where they must defend their Olympic title acquired in Tokyo in 2021. In Denmark, the French handball players more than reassured since they won their third world title after a perfect run concluded in style against the terrible Norway (31-28) this Sunday, December 17 in Herning.
Twenty years after their first world title, six years after their second and two and a half years after the Olympic title, the Blues put France a little further at the top of handball, where until now the Norwegians, double European champions, had reigned. and reigning world champions.
“It’s a wonderful moment. We had trouble at the start, we couldn’t stop Henny Reistad, who is an exceptional player, but when we found the solutions to cut her runs, it was easier, explained the irreducible player after the match. French coach, Olivier Krumbholz. There were incredible performances, like what Léna Grandveau did. At a time when the Norwegians were coming back strongly and we could no longer find a solution in attack, she saved France a little. Before assuming: “The objective will be to be even better than that next summer. Even if it’s great to be world champion, the ultimate goal remains the gold medal at the Games. The French team must land at the end of the day Monday in Roissy before being received at the Elysée.
The retirement of Olivier Krumbholz
These seven months, during which the Bleues will notably play the qualifications for the next Euro, will also be Olivier Krumbholz’s last at the head of the French women’s team, which he brought out from the depths fifteen years ago. After the world titles of 2003 and 2017, this third star won against Norway (31-28) in Herning (Denmark) fills a trophy cabinet that completes the coronation at Euro-2018 and, therefore, the medal of gold in Japan.
At 65, Olivier Krumbholz hopes to add a second Olympic title before bowing out at retirement age. “After the 2024 Paris Olympics, I’m stopping,” he announced in September 2022. Decision reiterated Monday morning on France Info: “I am sure of my choice. There comes a time when you have to turn the page. I’m very happy that it’s working very well with the girls and that we’re getting results. But I will turn the page as I have decided.” Neck weighed down by a new medal?
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