Camilla Herrem, the celebrated player of the Norwegian national handball team, announced her retirement after her final match, culminating her remarkable career at the top level. The announcement was made following Norway's impressive 31-23 victory over Denmark in the final of the European Championship held on December 15, 2024, in Vienna, Austria.
Throughout the match, the 38-year-old star displayed her exceptional skills, scoring four goals and contributing significantly to her team's success. After the game, she expressed heartfelt sentiments saying, "Jeg er veldig stolt. Dette ble min aller siste landskamp. Nå er jeg ferdig, og jeg er veldig stolt. Det blir godt å få litt ekstra tid hjemme. Det er vemodig," translating to, "I am very proud. This was my very last international match. Now I’m finished, and I am very proud. It will be nice to get some extra time at home. It is bittersweet." Herrem reflected on her decision, noting it felt right after years of dedication to the sport.
Herrem decided to retire after struggling with the weight of such a final decision, having contemplated it since September. During the emotional farewell, she shared her thoughts with teammates, highlighting, "Det er tungt å avslutte, men jeg føler samtidig at det er rett. Jeg gleder meg til å få bedre tid hjemme sammen med Theo og Noah. Det kjennes rett," which means, "It is heavy to end, but at the same time I feel it is right. I look forward to spending more time at home with Theo and Noah. It feels right." Herrem, who has been part of the national team since 2006, marked 20 championships, feeling fulfilled with her illustrious career.
Coach Thorir Hergeirsson also expressed admiration for Herrem during the press conference following the match. He acknowledged their conversations around her decision after the Olympics, remarking, "Hun snakket med meg om det etter OL, men da var det ikke definitivt," or "She talked to me about it after the Olympics, but at the time it wasn't definitive." Hergeirsson has been at the helm since 2009, making Herrem's retirement especially poignant as it coincided with the end of his tenure as well.
The emotions ran high as her husband, Steffen Stegavik, expressed his mixed feelings about her retirement. He noted, "Alt har sin tid, men jeg har prøvd å overtale henne til å fortsette," which translates to, "Everything has its time, but I have tried to persuade her to continue." They have two young boys, Theo and Noah, who will now get more time with their mother as she steps back from the sport.
Herrem's retirement has sparked widespread recognition from her peers and experts. Handball analyst Ole Erevik remarked, "Hun er et ikon og et idol for det norske landslaget," meaning, "She is an icon and idol for the Norwegian national team." Many see her as not just a player but as someone who has inspired countless others on and off the court.
Teammate Nora Mørk wiped away tears as she stood by Herrem, underlining how deep the connections formed over years have affected the whole team. There is no question about the legacy Herrem leaves behind. Her remarkable talent and character have etched her name as one of the greats of Norwegian handball.
Mørk and fellow teammates echoed sentiments of pride as they celebrated Herrem’s storied career. Stine Skogrand commented during the farewell, “Jeg synes hun er verdens beste venstrekant,” which translates to, “I think she is the best left-winger in the world.” The accolades showcase not only her prowess on the court but also the respect and admiration she commands among her teammates.
Despite her exit from the national team, Herrem still embraces her love for the sport and her teammates. Laughing, she quipped about leading the traditional singing of the Norwegian handball song "Tore Tang" at future gatherings, stating, “Uansett hvor dårlig stemmen er, så må det bli Tore Tang nå,” or “Regardless of how bad the voice is, it has to be Tore Tang now.” Her humor embodies the spirit and connection she has cultivated through her career.
Looking forwards, Herrem’s departure from the sport signals both the end of an era and the beginning of new chapters for herself and the team. "Det betyr mye å avslutte sammen med Thorir," she added, meaning, "It means a lot to finish together with Thorir." Such reflections highlight the bond formed with both her coach and teammates throughout their collective journeys.
Herrem's legacy is sure to inspire future generations of players who aspire to reach the heights she has achieved. With gold medals from the Olympics and European Championships, her career is one characterized by triumph and dedication. After her farewell, it is evident she departs with nothing but cherished memories and pride.