Anita Görbicz does a farewell to the Handball National Team of Hungary – Interview

After 233 matches and 1111 goal, Anita Görbicz does a farewell to the National Team of Hungary. The athlete from the Audi ETO of Győr is currently the captain of the national team.

Her most significant success with the team of Győr is four final victories in the EHF Champions League. As a member of the national team, she won the silver medal during the World Cup in 2003. She was the world’s best female handball player in 2005. In addition, she was the Hungarian Handball Player of the Year several times and the Top Scorer of the Champions League. Besides, she was a member of the All-Star team of the World Cup. At the moment, Anita holds the record with the number of goals scored by an athlete in the national handball team.

The queen of this sport has given to GLOBS Magazine an exclusive interview, in which she talked about why she decided to retire and what her distant plans were.

Why did you say goodbye to the national team?

The national team was always a sacred and unquestionable thing during my career. The team has delivered a lot of sports experience, many friends, passionate matches and, of course, achievements and failures. It was a great honour and huge responsibility for me to lead the national team on the field and in real life. I felt that the time had come when I had to draw the line. Although I would have been able to support the team further, it was time for the younger generation to come. This is a completely natural process, but it can also be influenced.

With my decision, I wanted to influence this process and motivate the younger generation to come and take over the role I’ve been playing for a long time…

When did you decide to retire?

I had the idea of withdrawing from the national team for a while. As a mother, I have responsibilities outside the field as well, and this has raised important questions in my head. Fortunately, I could always count on my family in this regard, but the decision was mine. It is good to finish something with a calm conscience. I felt that I have decided just in time, because the consumption of a meal should be finished while it still tastes good.

How did your coaches, teammates and –of course- your family accept your decision?

Everyone who was affected accepted my decision and understood my arguments. My family is happy, because I can spend a lot more time with them and especially with Boldizsár.

After your retirement, your legendary #13 jersey was officially withdrawn. It will be yours forever. How does it feel?

I do not know what to say. I have to admit, I wept. I would have never thought when I started handball, that I will get this far. It is a great honour, a gesture that I cannot thank enough. This can be an example of a dream becoming reality for the youngsters. If I succeeded, others can succeed.

You were only 19 years old when you became a member of the national team. You became known for the public at a very young age. How did you deal with the sudden fame and success?

That is right. I was really young and it meant a huge responsibility. I have always tried to do my best both in professional and everyday life. I have changed a lot over the years, but I have always tried to overcome the challenges honestly and passionately.