Handball EC
The biggest star slipped through the cracks of the photographers’ lenses at the EC arena.
HERNING (Dagbladet): Mikkel Hansen is no ordinary handball player. With a string of WC, EC, and Olympic medals, he has earned his place among the legends of the sport and become a beloved figure in Denmark.
Yet, after securing Olympic gold in the summer of 2024, Hansen stepped away from the game.
Confirms Eavesdropping
With his signature flowing hair and red headband, Hansen was easily identified on the court. However, during his recent appearance at the EC arena in Herning, he went unnoticed. No press photographers managed to capture a glimpse of this celebrated athlete.
His only visible presence was a photo shared on social media by the European Handball Federation (EHF). The reason for his low profile? Just months prior, Hansen had shaved his head in solidarity with a cancer campaign in Denmark, making him less recognizable.
“It is vital for me to support a cause that impacts so many people. Cancer is not just a personal struggle; it affects families and loved ones as well,” Hansen expressed regarding the campaign.
It was actually fellow Danish superstar Mathias Gidsel who alerted reporters to Hansen’s presence, as he spoke to the media after Denmark’s victory over Spain on Saturday.
“He stopped by the locker room, greeted us and shared some hugs. It’s always wonderful when the legends come back. He’s a tough critic, but he acknowledged that we are doing well, which is a high compliment,” Gidsel recounted.
Captured on a Peach in Denmark
Despite Hansen’s absence, Denmark continues to assert its dominance in international handball. The team shined at last year’s WC in Norway and is already through to the semi-finals of the current competition.
Meanwhile, Norway is vying for a third-place finish in their group to secure a place in next year’s WC, thus avoiding a grueling qualification round in May.
“I mentioned in the locker room how meaningful it is to face Denmark in the Boxen. Even if the match doesn’t have significant stakes for them, they hate to lose. The atmosphere will be electric, and the implications for our WC qualification are significant. We must step up, as we are up against the world’s best team,” said Norway captain Vetle Eck Aga.
The home crowd in Herning has generated an electrifying atmosphere surrounding Denmark’s matches in this pivotal round.
“The Danish audience is incredible. I’ve felt the pressure when Denmark plays, and I can’t wait to experience that energy firsthand,” remarked striker Martin Hovde.
