Kolstad are the Norwegian champions in handball – but their decisive victory match turned dramatic when head coach Christian Berge collapsed during the second half.
– I’m tired and exhausted, but back on my feet again, Berge told TV2.
Kolstad secured a 31–28 win over Elverum to claim the Norwegian championship for the third consecutive year. However, the sporting triumph was overshadowed by the incident involving their coach, Christian Berge, who collapsed during the second half.
– It’s kind of a shock, and you really feel how little sport and handball matters when something like that happens, Kolstad player Simon Jeppsson told Sportbladet.
According to Norwegian broadcaster TV2, Berge was treated in an ambulance outside the arena. The cause was reportedly atrial fibrillation – a condition he has experienced before, though previously he had managed to keep it under control. This time, however, he lost control over his body.
– I’m tired and exhausted, but back on my feet again and in okay condition, all things considered, Berge told TV2.
Christian Berge served as head coach of the Norwegian national team from 2014 to 2022.