Mikkel Hansen, renowned for his illustrious handball career, recently opened up about his personal struggles during the release of the documentary, "Mikkel Hansen," aired on DR. Although he marked his third consecutive World Championship victory with Denmark's national team earlier this year, the triumph was overshadowed by severe mental health challenges.
After returning home from Stockholm, Hansen experienced distressing symptoms and soon found himself on sick leave. His wife, Stephanie Gundelach, vividly recounts the moment when he called her, disoriented and panicking after awakening from a nap, leaving her deeply concerned. "He was very confused and hyperventilated and cried, and didn’t know where he was. He was expressing dark thoughts and feelings I had never heard him say before," she shared.
Reflecting on this tough period, Hansen said, "There was no joy in things. Everything was just gray. And meaningless. Everything felt meaningless." His wife's intervention proved pivotal, as she contacted his agent to arrange for his sick leave, which he now recognizes as the right decision. "The day today, I am really glad Stephanie made the decision. For with who I am, I think I wouldn’t have made the decision myself. I think I would end up at a much worse place," Hansen expressed, highlighting the importance of support during moments of crisis.
Hansen's struggles were not isolated; they stemmed from several challenging realities he faced, including multiple health scares over the past couple of years and the demands of relocating to Aalborg Håndbold, which reduced his family time. One could easily see how the pressure of elite competition, paired with life’s personal battles, could drive anyone to the brink.
Alongside the documentary, Stephanie shared personal anecdotes about their relationship, detailing how they first met at the Roskilde Festival back in 2017. "I can still hear him calling out to me. I thought he was waving at someone else!" she laughed, recounting how their chemistry sparked even as she was relatively unfamiliar with handball, admitting she had never watched a match before meeting him. "Mikkel’s charisma was undeniable, but I had to get to know him beyond the athlete. His tough exterior hides such sincerity underneath, and it’s what drew me to him," she said.
Hansen himself added humorously, "Stephanie’s relationship with handball is not far from non-existent," showcasing his appreciation for her independence from his sport. This dynamic has allowed their home to serve as a sanctuary, free from the unbearable weight of constant competition.
The documentary also sheds light on Hansen's relationships with his teammates, especially with fellow athlete Henrik Møllgaard. Initially, Hansen was perceived as confident and perhaps arrogant, sparking irritation from Møllgaard. Hansen recalls, "There came this long-haired cocky kid with plenty of self-belief," which Møllgaard later acknowledges as jealousy. Yet over time, their rivalry transitioned to one of camaraderie and partnership, especially during their stint at Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite the rocky start, the two became synonymous with teamwork on and off the court, with Møllgaard stating, "Mikkel is such an upcoming star and already talk of the town. I still stand by saying he was hard to deal with back then." Their bond matured, leading to significant achievements and mutual respect, which flourish today as Møllgaard enters the final season of his career before taking on the role of assistant coach at PSG.
With the reflecting lens of the documentary, Mikkel Hansen’s transition from being the celebrated athlete to focusing on his family post-retirement becomes apparent. The documentary frames his impending shift, underscoring his commitment to prioritizing his roles as father, husband, brother, and friend above everything else.
Hansen has expressed hope to look back on his career with appreciation, rather than regret. He constantly advocates the importance of mental well-being, emphasizing how the pressures of elite sports can become overwhelming. With this insightful perspective, Hansen appears ready to embrace what lies ahead as he steps out of the spotlight to enrich his family life.
The second episode of the documentary series is set to air on December 27th, with previous segments available for streaming on DRTV. It paints not only the story of one of Denmark's greatest sports figures but also the personal battles and richness of life behind the accolades.
