Young EM sensation: 'They keep an eye on me so I don't disappear'

At just 17 years old, Malin Hallin is emerging as the unexpected star of Sweden's European Championship volleyball squad. Her journey to this point has been remarkably swift; she only tried volleyball for the first time four years ago.

Hallin, who grew up in Löddeköpinge and recently completed her second year at the national sports gymnasium in Falköping, described her inclusion in the EM squad as "crazy, totally insane." She admitted that while she hoped for selection, she recognized the competitive field and felt her chances were uncertain. The news came as a significant joy.

Her volleyball career has been a rapid ascent since she first picked up the sport at age thirteen in the newly formed Borgen VK club. Initially drawn to volleyball for its fun factor and her natural aptitude, she soon moved to Kronan VBK in Landskrona, playing with their Division 1 team. A year later, she relocated to Falköping to attend the sports gymnasium, a move she credits with significant personal and athletic development.

Now immersed in the national team environment for much of the summer, Hallin is adapting to training alongside seasoned professionals, including star player Isabelle Haak. "The others are world-class, they play abroad and the level is so much higher than I'm used to," Hallin said. She feels she hasn't fully showcased her potential yet but is rapidly improving by observing and learning from her teammates, receiving constant feedback on her technique. The experience of living and training with the national team, especially idolizing Haak, has been a surreal but motivating experience.