Bidding Adieu: Ex-National Handball Star Wiencek Hangs Up His Gloves
- Retired Career: Wiencek, Ex-National Football Team Member
Hey folks! It's time to say goodbye to one of the legends of handball, Patrick Wiencek. After an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, this skilled center back and defensive specialist from THW Kiel is calling it quits at the end of the current season. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the former national player declared, "A long journey comes to an end, and it's time to retire my handball shoes."
While this decision wasn't an easy one for Wiencek, he assured his fans that he wouldn't be leaving the THW Kiel environment altogether. "I've always been passionate and dedicated; this decision was not easy," Wiencek shared. In his new role with the club, Wiencek will be moving to the business office and serving as a representative.
THW managing director, Viktor Szilagyi, expressed his gratitude for Wiencek's contributions, saying, "Patrick is one of the most influential personalities in the history of THW Kiel. He has embodied the values of THW Kiel like no other." Born in Duisburg, Wiencek joined THW Kiel from VfL Gummersbach in 2012 and, alongside the "Zebras," has secured numerous victories, including six German championships, four cup wins, an EHF Cup, and a Champions League title.
As "Bamm-Bamm," Wiencek made his 159th national team appearance in December 2009, scoring a total of 316 goals. His most significant achievement with the German national team is winning the bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, although an injury kept him from competing in the 2016 European Championship.
THW has already confirmed that Wiencek's contract will not be renewed. However, the team still has three titles to fight for, with the fourth-placed Bundesliga team only two points behind leaders MT Melsungen. THW is also in the DHB Cup semifinals and the European League quarter-finals. With the addition of Croatian national player Veron Nacinovic joining THW from Montpellier HB in the summer, it's clear that the future of the team remains bright.
- Patrick Wiencek
- Handball
- THW Kiel
- THW
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft regulation regarding Patrick Wiencek's transition from his handball career with THW Kiel, as he plans to manage the club's business interests once his current season expires.
- On Instagram, Patrick Wiencek shared a sentimental post, signaling his retirement from handball after 159 national team appearances and a decorated career with THW Kiel.
- Despite retiring from handball, Patrick Wiencek's contract with THW Kiel will not be renewed, but his presence will remain as he transitions to a new role within the club, representing THW in its business operations.
