Just five days after completing a round of chemotherapy, Camilla Herrem was back on the court in the Norwegian league. The winger scored four goals as her team, Sola, won their season opener.
– Handball has always been a sanctuary, Herrem told NRK.
At the end of June, Camilla Herrem announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Last Tuesday, the Norwegian handball legend completed the first phase of her chemotherapy. Only five days later, she returned to the court.
– Handball has always been a safe haven for me, no matter what. It’s kind of the same now, an emotional Herrem said in an interview with NRK after the match.
The 38-year-old scored four goals as Sola defeated Oppsal 29–24. Although further treatments await, the Norwegian star is determined to keep playing.
– As long as I feel like I can manage it, I want to keep playing as much as possible, she said.
– It’s impressive. She’s an incredibly strong person. I’m just really happy that she’s responding well and that she can be here, said teammate Malin Holta after the game.
Camilla Herrem has played over 300 matches for the Norwegian national team. Her résumé includes eleven gold medals, three silver, and three bronze from international championships, making her one of the most successful Norwegian players of all time.