SOLD ON PADEL!
Sofia Brolin works with accounting and reporting, tax management and corporate governance issues at the group level at Stena Bulk. In her spare time Sofia plays the relatively new, but incredibly popular racquet sport padel.
“I’m a former tennis player and I played on the junior national team, but unfortunately I had to quit because of an injury,” says Sofia. “Since then, I’ve barely touched a tennis racquet and day-to-day life began taking more of my time, with studies, family and children. But two years ago, I heard about padel. It sounded fun and I wanted to give it a try. Now I’m completely sold on it.”
Sofia practices for an hour and a half about three times a week and plays league games with one to two matches a week.
“It’s been a quick development curve, which is great,” Sofia says. “Now I’m a member of GLTK’s elite women’s team and we practice together three times a week. I play in the Moco Sports mixed company league with my husband, and at Stena Bulk we have a team with CEO Erik Hånell, Lena Alvling, Andrea Wester, Ola Andersson, Yvonne Rittfeldt and myself. There has been a lot of interest and in the autumn, we will have even more teams. I think the reason for the strong interest is because you can play based on your own ability. It’s a social sport and you don’t have to be in tip-top shape. If you just have a little ball sense and are willing to practice, you can develop quickly.”
WEIGHT LIFTING AS A COMPLEMENT
“I have to run and lift weights to avoid injuries, but even though I enjoy the exercise, I don’t have time for everything. Since I have had problems with my shoulder and Achilles tendons, I try to focus on exercises that strengthen certain muscle groups.”
MAJOR BENEFITS FROM PLAYING
“The best thing about playing padel, besides it being fun and social, is the energy it gives me. It makes me happier and more effective when I play. When I got home from practice the other night, I sat down with a tricky question that I solved faster than usual. There is clearly a very strong link between exercise, performance and well-being,” Sofia concludes.
NAME | Sofia Brolin |
AGE | 41 |
NUMBER OF YEARS AT STENA | 4 |
TITLE | General Manager, Financial Control & Corporate Governance |
COMPANY | Stena Bulk |
FAMILY | Husband and two children, aged 10 and 13. |
LIVES | Onsala, south of Gothenburg |
INTERESTS | Sports! Among other things, padel and slalom. Friends, travel and interior decorating. |
ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS WHAT SHOULD YOU THINK ABOUT WHEN YOU WANT TO START PLAYING
- There are many courses for beginners and if you do not have that much experience with racquet sports, it may be a good idea to sign up for a course.
- Choose the right equipment. Tennis shoes with grooved soles for gravel surfaces because the surface of a padel court is gravel. Choose a light racquet if you are a beginner to avoid injuries. Ask at a padel center or visit a well-stocked sporting goods shop. Racquets and shoes are most important.
- Injury risk? Tennis elbow is common because it is a monotonous movement. Many beginners play with racquets that are too heavy, which leads to injuries. Achilles tendons may also be damaged.
- Best tip? Warm up properly to avoid injuries and stretch afterwards. Have fun!
THIS IS PADEL
- Padel has its roots in Mexico and is a mix of tennis and squash.
- A padel court is 10×20 meters and is surrounded by three meter high glass walls that can be used during play.
- You always play doubles with four players.
- The game starts with an underhand serve and the racquet must not pass hip height.
- One of the world’s fastest growing sports.