The world’s number one bridge player Geir Helgemo has been suspended by the World Bridge Federation, after being found to have breached anti-doping rules when participating in the World Bridge Series, held in Orlando in 2018.
Backdated due to having previously accepted a voluntary provisional suspension, the one-year ban is to be in place until November 20, 2019, Helgamo, a Norwegian national that represents Monaco in bridge events, is also to refund costs of €3,659 for the hearing.
Helgamo tested positive for banned substances Clomifene, a female fertility drug, and a synthetic testosterone, accepting the violation and the provisional suspension pending investigation by the Anti-Doping Panel.
Bridge is subject to WADA’s doping regulations through association with the IOC, but the Norwegian Bridge Federation, responding to the ban, states that it’s “a little strange” that its players must follow the same rules as those in more physical sports, and urges the development of a framework that is tailored specifically to bridge.
Kari-Anne Opsal, the NBF’s president, explained: “Geir Helgemo represents Monaco, but is also a member of the Norwegian Bridge Federation. He has previously played for the Norwegian national team and is our biggest star.
“Many in the bridging community know Geir and appreciate him. It is his responsibility that he does not take drugs that are on the doping list, although in this case they are not performance enhancing in bridge. I feel with Geir in this situation, and hope that he will come back stronger after November 20, 2019, when the exclusion ceases.”
In an extract from the ruling conducted by the Anti-Doping Hearing Panel, it was unanimously found that the following sanctions should be imposed:
