Norwegian defender Tone Einstulen is the player with the most appearances in the history of the Women’s World Championships. She is also the first to surpass the milestone of fifty games at this top-level event. After the opening weekend of the women’s championship, she has reached 51 appearances — and the number keeps growing. How does one achieve such a long career, and what are her goals for this tournament?
You achieved a milestone of 50 matches in the World championships as the first in the history and you are also holding the all-time WFC record. What does it mean for you?
I didn’t know about that but I’m always proud to represent Norway and grateful for every game on the top level like World Floorball Championships.
This big achievement happened with the national team of Norway but you were born in Sweden. What happened that made you decide to represent Norway?
I don’t know exactly, to be honest. I just remember that somebody asked me if I want to play for Norway and I said yes (smiles).
If you compare your first senior championships in 2007 with this, what player is Tone Einstulen now compared to 2007?
I’ve had a lot of experience on the international level and in the best league in the world in Sweden and this experience is helping me a lot. I think that’s the biggest difference. I’m also captain right now and I wasn’t in 2007 but basically I’m the same player but with more experience.
What is your best memory throughout these years with the national team?
I don’t have a particular memory at the moment but I hope this championships will become one of the best memories I’ve had.
What would you recommend young players to achieve such longevity? How to work on yourself and take care of yourself?
You need to train a lot. Use different strategies of the training programme. But the most important thing is to have a lot of fun on the journey. A lot of fun.
“When Czech fans chant it feels like there are many more people out there than there are.”
Tone Einstulen, the WFC all time appearances holder
When Czech fans chant it feels like there are many more people out there than there are.
Tone Einstulen
The record holder of men’s world championships is legendary Norwegian player Ketil Kronberg – is this endurance part of Norway’s DNA?
It seems like it (laughs).
Are you preparing for another two championships to match or beat his record?
It’s a little bit difficult to beat the record of Ketil but it would be a great accomplishment if I could. I don’t know exactly what the future will bring. I need to think about a year, maybe it’s my last World Floorball Championships.
You were at the World Floorball Championships in 2013 – how do you remember your first visit to Brno and Ostrava and don’t you have some interesting memory in your mind?
There was a match against the Czech Republic. The stands were full and the Czech audience was very powerful. You can really feel the energy. I can say when the Czech fans are chanting it feels like there are many more people out there than there are.
Now back to the present. What are your personal goals for this championship and with Norway?
I don’t have any special goals for myself. I want to be successful with my team. I think fifth place would be considered a great championship and I would be happy.