There are moments in life that define the true meaning of resilience—moments when the weight of adversity seems overwhelming, yet the human spirit finds a way not only to endure but to inspire. Inside, the journey can be a relentless roller coaster of highs and lows; yet outwardly, what shines through is unyielding strength and determination.

In handball, such stories captivate because they embody sheer ambition, hope, and courage. Her light shines ever brighter amid challenges. While many might pause when confronted by life’s toughest battles, others, like Camilla Herrem, seize the moment to reflect, persevere, and forge ahead with renewed resolve.

Herrem’s unwavering passion and commitment to handball illuminate far beyond trophies or medals—her determination to keep playing amidst personal trials stands as a radiant symbol of positive thinking and unstoppable courage. She inspires not only her teammates but entire communities who see in her an example of fighting spirit and unwavering love for the game.

With breathtaking speed, exceptional technique, and relentless dedication, Herrem earned her place in the pantheon of women’s handball legends as one of the finest left wings in history.

At 38 years old, with a staggering 17 medals from major international competitions—including two Olympic golds from London 2012 and Paris 2024 and six European Championship titles—her legacy speaks volumes. Though she announced her retirement from the Norwegian national team after Paris 2024, Herrem’s heart remained on the court with her hometown club, Sola HK.

When news broke this summer of her breast cancer diagnosis, the handball world stood united in unwavering support. Camilla’s journey is a potent reminder that handball is about more than winning or losing—it’s about leading by example, inspiring others, and transcending barriers through sheer spirit.

“I believe in being honest and real, showing both the highs and the lows,” Herrem shares in an exclusive IHF interview. “No one is perfect, but trying to be the best version of yourself—that’s more than enough.” 

"Surround yourself with people who bring joy in your life"

The news hit hard, as any diagnosis of this nature would, but Camilla Herrem faced it with a remarkable sense of confidence that she would respond well to treatment.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide, with approximately 2.3 million new cases diagnosed in 2023 alone. Despite the rising numbers, early detection vastly improves treatment outcomes, with about 66% of cases found at an early, localized stage, when therapies are most effective and survival rates are significantly higher.

“For me, the most important thing is to surround yourself with people who bring joy into your life, whether on the court or off it,” Herrem says. “Setting goals, even small ones that lead to bigger achievements, helps keep a positive mindset.”

Yet, the initial shock of the diagnosis tested Herrem’s resilience and inner strength profoundly. The first whirlwind of thoughts—why her? A celebrated athlete whose career spans decades, a devoted mother of two—flooded her mind.



When the diagnosis came, with her sister and husband by her side, and Steffen Stegavik, the coach of Sola HK, looking on, Camilla knew immediately that embracing the moment and processing the shock quickly was essential. She resolved to channel her innate fighting spirit not only toward recovery but to use her experience as a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles.

“The support I received has been overwhelming. I can feel so much love from my country, but also from all over the handball world. And I cannot explain how much it means to me, and I'm so proud to be a part of this beautiful handball family,” adds Herrem.

“For me the strength is always with the people I surround myself with. I have my family and friends close that give me energy and joy. My two boys, Theo and Noah, are also probably my biggest energy source. It's always good to feel supported in everything that you do, and if it were not for my family, I would never be where I am today.”

"My motivation has always been that I love handball"

For the past several months, Camilla Herrem has courageously battled cancer, while undergoing rounds of chemotherapy. Yet, throughout this journey, her thoughts never drifted far from handball. For Camilla, handball has always been far more than a profession—it is a true passion, a source of meaning, connection, and joy.

Even at 38 years old—an age when many of her peers have long since retired—Herrem’s love for the game fuels her strength. 

“My motivation has always been that I simply love handball. That’s why I’ve played so long with the Norwegian national team and my clubs. I love the intensity, the team spirit. Some of my best memories come from being with my teammates on the national team. We had so much fun together, and we cherished every moment,” says Herrem.

Because handball is such a vital part of her life, the determined Norwegian left wing vowed that if her health allowed, she would return to the court. This season carries special significance, as she continues to play for her hometown club, Sola HK—the very club where she took her first steps in handball as a young girl and played her earliest professional seasons between 2002 and 2006.

Just days after completing a round of chemotherapy, Camilla made her return to the court after more than four months in Sola’s season opener against Oppsal in the Norwegian domestic league. Her comeback was marked by a victorious 29:25 win, during which she scored four goals, demonstrating that everything is possible.

“My ambition now in handball is that Sola will take one step further in the first season in the Champions League and also we can make a surprise. For me it's a dream come true to play in the Champions League with my childhood club. 

Indeed, Sola secured their place in this prestigious tournament after finishing second in the Norwegian league last season and benefiting from an opportunity when another club withdrew. For Camilla, this return to the Champions League, after eight years away following memorable stints with Byasen Trondheim, HCM Baia Mare, and Vardar. 

And in life?

“For life is just to make my boys happy, be the best mom, sister, wife, friend I can be. My family and friends mean everything to me,” adds Herrem.

"Enjoy every moment on and off the court"

Making a trip down memory lane, the 38-year-old left wing, who will turn 39 in October, has plenty of souvenirs in handball, starting with her first medal at the IHF Women’s World Championship, at China 2009, a bronze, followed by a gold medal at Brazil 2011. But the strongest memory is the first Olympic god medal, at London 2012.

“The best moment with the national team was probably the quarterfinal in the London Olympics. We had a bad first half and were down by four goals against Brazil. We had a good half-time talk and crushed the second half. Amazing feeling, something that came as we were united as a team and handled this together. And it led to the first Olympic gold medal for me,” says Herrem.

The second one came 12 years later, at the zenith of her career, the next to last major international competition, at Paris 2024, followed by another gold at the EHF EURO, after which Herrem announced her international retirement.

“I love playing the games that matters the most. It's just a magical moment when you are playing semi-finals or finals and the adrenaline kick is high. But for me it's also not to be serious all the time. In the dressing room before the games, we laugh and we dance and just have a good moment before it's 100% focus when we start the warmup,” adds the left wing.

That feel-good attitude, that camaraderie, that unwavering bond also made Herrem endeared to all handball fans and players alike, which have all shared the same outpour of support when the news of Camilla’s illness broke.

Everybody cheered for her, everybody had to say a heartfelt message, everybody poured in with support.

“I would like to say just enjoy every moment on and off the court. Don't use your time and energy on something that has finished, because we can't go back in time. Use your focus on things you actually can do something about and always stay true to yourself. Don't compare to other people, but just be the best version of yourself, and have faith that that's more than enough. Surround yourself with people who gives you energy and don't take it away from you. And enjoy life!,” concludes Herrem. 

Indeed we should. Herrem’s story radiates positivity and the inspiration which comes from refusing to let fear or setbacks define one’s identity. Even if there are lows, the will to play, to believe, and to move forward is a victory in itself.

Photo credit: Sola HK / Kenneth McDowell