Born: 1982 (Tønsberg, Norway)
Biography:
Heidi Løke (born 12 December 1982) is a Norwegian handball player who has made a significant impact in the world of women’s handball. Born in Tønsberg and raised in Sandefjord, Løke discovered her passion for handball at the age of ten. Little did she know that this sport would shape her entire life and lead her to become one of the most successful players in the history of Norwegian women’s handball.
Løke’s club career is filled with remarkable achievements and numerous accolades. She has played for several clubs throughout her career, including Runar, Larvik, Gjerpen, Aalborg DH, and currently Larvik HK. During her time with Larvik from 2008 to 2011, Løke’s exceptional skills and contributions to the team led to several triumphs. She was the top scorer in the Norwegian League in both the 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 seasons. Her club secured gold medals in both the League and the Cup in the 2008/2009 and 20009/2010 seasons.
In addition to her domestic success, Løke also made her mark on the international stage. With Larvik, she reached the final of the EHF Women’s Cup Winners’ Cup in the 2008/2009 season, ultimately winning the silver medal. Her club also reached the semifinals of the EHF Women’s Champions League in the 2009/2010 season. Løke’s outstanding performances garnered attention from one of the top Hungarian teams, Györi ETO KC, and in December 2010, it was announced that she had signed a two-year contract with them.
Aside from her club career, Løke has also excelled in the Norwegian national team. She made her debut on 7 April 2006 against Hungary and has been an integral part of the team’s success ever since. Løke was a key player in the Norwegian team that won gold medals at the 2008 European Women’s Handball Championship in Macedonia. She also clinched a bronze medal at the 2009 World Women’s Handball Championship in Beijing. Løke’s impeccable skills were once again showcased at the 2010 European Women’s Handball Championship, where she helped secure a gold medal for the Norwegian team. Her exceptional performance earned her a place in the All-Star team as the best pivot (line player) of the tournament.
Continuing her success, Løke repeated her achievement of winning both the gold medal and a place in the All-Star team at the World Championship in the following year. Her contributions to the Norwegian national team have solidified her position as one of the country’s most respected and talented handball players.
Outside of her remarkable handball career, Løke comes from a family deeply rooted in handball. Her brother, Frank Løke, is also a former international handball player.
Heidi Løke’s dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the sport of handball have made her an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide. Her accomplishments on both the club and international levels have cemented her status as a true legend in women’s handball history.
Awards:
– Gold medal: 2008 European Women’s Handball Championship
– Bronze medal: 2009 World Women’s Handball Championship
– Gold medal: 2010 European Women’s Handball Championship
– Gold medal: 2011 World Women’s Handball Championship
– IHF World Player of the Year award: 2011