The Norwegian Vikings

By Jon Sveindal

Tor Helness (b 1957) of Oslo, stockbroker, "Grand old man" of the successful Norwegian squad. Wife Gunn (also international for Norway) is here, as well as their two sons Jonas (15) and Fredrik (11) who spend long hours following the game in the VuGraph room. Amongst Tor's merits are silver and bronze in Bermuda Bowl, three bronzes in European Ch.ships, bronze from World Teams. He has also won several prestigous invitational events with his partner

Geir Helgemo (b 1970) of Trondheim. Bridge celebrity #1 in Norway, and a bridge professional. Runs a daily column in Norway's biggest paper, "Verdens Gang". Rose from junior fame to world superstardom. Has several North American titles in his belt in addition to his World Individual Championship, two Bermuda Bowl medals and two medals from European teams. Co-author of several bridge books.

Terje Aa (b 1961) of Trondheim. Post office employee - married with two daughters. Successful internationally with his partner Glenn with two bronzes from Europeans, bronze and silver in Bermuda Bowl.

Glenn Grøtheim (b 1959) of Trondheim. Engineer working as an electricity broker. Married with two boys. Apart from his merits with Terje he has an additional bronze from Europeans. Put together "The Viking Club" - a relay precision system - which was published some ten years ago. An English edition was recently made available.

(Reidar) Boye Brogeland (b 1973) of Bergen. Degree in economics and business administration, but being another junior celebrity who made it big with the big guys, he is of course a bridge professional. Publisher and editor of "Bridge i Norge", an independent bridge magazine. His cohabitor, Tonje Aasand, is prima inter pares among his many fans in Tenerife. While being rated the most prominent junior player from 1996 to 1999, Boye won two bronzes in the Europeans Chamionships, and a bronze medal in a Bermuda Bowl. His open merits are in partnership with

Erik "Silda" Sælensminde (b 1964) of Bergen. The only one of the players who does not respond to anything but his nickname, meaning "The Herring". In fact, apart from "Coach", he is the only one with a nickname! Bridge professional whose carrier was boosted when he partnered Boye.

The Team: Nice guys and friends! Their vast amount of junior merits and national and Nordic titles is excluded in respect of the reader.

Einar Asbjørn Brenne (NPC) of Trondheim. 54-year-old banking consultant, in charge of the team since 1997. Married with one daughter. A talented young player who took a long break and returned to the game as a very successful captain for Norway.

Rolf E. "Coach" Olsen (Coach!) of Oslo. The 34-year-old accountant started coaching when Brenne took over, and his trustworthy and endless efforts for the team are praised by the others.