He won the bronze medal at the Olympics with the German national handball team and finished fourth at the home World Cup in 2019. Now “Bam Bam” is over at the DHB.
After more than twelve years, pivot Patrick Wiencek (33) has ended his career in the German national handball team. The captain of THW Kiel informed the national coach Alfred Gislason of his decision in a personal conversation. Wiencek completed 159 international matches for Germany and scored 316 goals. His greatest successes were Olympic bronze in Rio 2016 and fourth place at the 2019 home World Championships.
“It was an honor”
“It was great, exciting years, which of course were crowned by Olympic bronze in 2016. But the special honor of being able to lead the national team as captain in my home arena remains,” said Wiencek: “The decision to continue my national team career It was very difficult for me to quit. It was always an honor for me to play for Germany!”
Wiencek made his debut for the DHB selection on December 1, 2009 under the then national coach Heiner Brand. In 2015, he led the DHB team onto the pitch for the European Championship qualifier in Kiel. Most recently, the 33-year-old father worked for the German team at the European Championships in Slovakia in January.
“It’s extremely unfortunate that Patrick Wiencek has decided to end his career in the national team,” said Gislason: “But I accept this step and wish Patrick all the best for his future club career.”