Reiche is finally back

After having been sidelined for no less than a year and ten months with two successive cruciade ligament injuries, the German right back and right winger Nora Reiche is finally back in active duty for her Danish club Viborg HK. In the league match against Team Tvis Holstebro on January 13^th she had her first minutes on the court in a match since she got injured in a Champions League match in March 2008 – and in the last group match against Podravka Vegeta on Saturday she got her Champions League comeback.

Eurohandball.com talked to Reiche about her comeback, the fear of being injured again, and about her hopes for the future.

Eurohandball.com: What is it like to be back after such a long break?

Nora Reiche: Of course it is wonderful but I can definitely feel that I still have a rather long way to go before my timing is accurate again. However, just being able to play at top level again is fantastic. As you know, I was really fit after my first injury, when I got the second one – so it is great to finally be completely fit again.

Eurohandball.com: After having had the same injury twice, are you not afraid of getting it again?

Nora Reiche: I cannot help thinking about it from time to time, but when I play, I manage to put those thoughts aside. If I could not do that, I might as well end my career right away.

Eurohandball.com: You were a regular player in the German national team when you got injured. Do you have a realistic hope of returning to the national team, too?

Nora Reiche: Of course I do. It would be absolutely great to play for Germany again, but right now I concentrate of getting back to my previous form and do well in the club team. I hope to return to the national team later.

Eurohandball.com: Last year you could see your team-mates win the Champions League as well as the Danish championship and the Danish Cp from the tribune. What was that like for you?

Nora Reiche: It was fantastic to be part of, but of course the feeling would have been a lot better, if I could have contributed to winning those three titles on the court.

Eurohandball.com: This year you have to do exactly that. Viborg still have the chance to win the Champions League as well as the Danish championship. Is it realistic for you and your team-mates to win both titles again?

Nora Reiche (with a big confident smile): Yes, of course it is!