"The effects beyond physical enhancement and performance are what really fascinates"

Johanna has always been active and has devoted herself to various sports throughout her life. In 2018, she suffered three concussions in the space of six months while playing football. She got passed around between doctors and physiotherapists, and the focus was on how to get rid of the headaches. But it was the other effects of being away from training and activities that became the biggest focus for Johanna.

– I lost the training and all the social parts of it, and felt quite alone, Johanna explains. It became clear to me that a sports injury is never just an injury, but there is a lot more happening that is not visible. It opened my eyes to the psychology behind sport, motivation and the social aspects.

Several fascinating dimensions

For Johanna, it is the different ways exercise and health affect the individual that arouses the greatest interest. She explains that the effects beyond physical improvement and performance – social contexts, but also community and mental well-being – are what really fascinate now.

– It's not just about running faster or longer, says Johanna, but also about routines, eating habits, sleep and everything else that affects how you feel. And not least the social context that comes from an interest in sports, such as going to the gym with a friend, training in a team or even cheering on a team.

Bachelor's in Sports Psychology

Through her interest, Johanna applied for an education in sports psychology at Halmstad University. There she immersed herself in the subject and finally wrote her essay on how injured athletes experience social support during their rehabilitation.

– It has such a big impact on how you recover, what your motivation looks like, and whether you complete your rehabilitation, Johanna explains. Everyone we spoke to felt in some way that they did not get the social support they had needed or wanted.

The essay that Johanna wrote together with a classmate even won "Essay of the Year", and the desire for more and deeper knowledge became clearer to her than ever. After her education and the essay, Johanna therefore wanted to continue digging into the subject, and chose to apply for a master's degree in sports science.

Johanna did her internship at the Swedish Ice Hockey Association, following a recommendation from a teacher. There she was at the federation and worked with development issues, such as how to get more people to start playing hockey, but also the revision of the coach education. Many of the people she was in contact with there recommended GIH.

– I got a lot of tips about GIH and it felt like the obvious choice, since it's a sports school and there are many opportunities in Stockholm, says Johanna.

GIH feels familiar

GIH's size is also something that Johanna is positive about, as she has already gotten to know many students from her own and other programmes. She explains that she already recognizes several in the corridors, and that the atmosphere on campus is very familiar.

– The teachers feel driven and it is noticeable that many are passionate about their issues, says Johanna. You can tell that people here really like what they do!

She is also looking forward to studying in Stockholm, as she already has several friends in the city, and her family close.

– I grew up in Uppsala, so it's nice to be closer to my family again, says Johanna. And I love Stockholm, with its beautiful environments and proximity to everything.

For Johanna, a master's degree is something that really leads to useful skills and knowledge, and can provide a broader perspective on physical activity, health, behaviors and lifestyle. However, she is most looking forward to the degree project, to continue immersing herself in her previous track, and eventually get out into working life.

– I want to work either with behavioural change and motivation, or with coaching and development issues, she says. I like to lecture too, so I can also see myself doing a PhD for the mix between education and research.