As SC Magdeburg took their second EHF Champions League title at the end of last season, after a 21-year wait, there was perhaps no player more memorable than Icelandic center back Gisli Kristjansson — the MVP of the EHF FINAL4 2023, who had overcome two serious injuries to make it to the podium. One of those injuries occurred in the semi-final and appeared to put the final out of reach, making for an incredible story of determination and fortitude. The story began long ago in Iceland, finding its way to Germany — first to Kiel, then Magdeburg, and eventually to Cologne.