The IHF has been saddened to learn of the death of one of handball's most passionate photojournalists, Michael Heuberger, this past Monday, at the age of 75. 

Covering handball throughout his life, Heuberger took part in countless handball tournaments, after initally starting his career as a retoucher in the graphics department at the printers of a publishing house.

Travelling throughout the world to capture timeless memories of handball games, which was his utmost passion, Heuberger became one of handball’s most known photographers, serving as an IHF official photographer in plenty of tournaments, including the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Heuberger also worked in several other sport disciplines, like ski jumping, athletics, track cycling or football, covering German side SC Freiburg, but retired five years ago, due to health reasons.

His picture depicting an athletic shot from Norwegian line player Heidi Løke during a match against Montenegro was elected the IHF World Handball Photo of 2011, with Heuberger also being awarded the “Sian Rowland Special Media Award” by the EHF  during the EHF EURO 2016 in Poland, for his special media merits in handball.

The IHF and President Dr Hassan Moustafa would like to convey their sincere condolences to Michael Heuberger’s family and friends during this difficult time.