In the competitive world of professional sports, success often appears as a fleeting moment of brilliance. Yet, for some, it becomes a sustained legacy, meticulously built and fiercely defended. Such is the narrative of Norwegian beach volleyball under the astute guidance of Jetmund Berntsen, the strategic mind behind the unparalleled dominance of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. This is more than just a coaching story; it`s an exploration of family, foresight, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
The Roots of a Dynasty: A Family Affair
Before the roar of the crowds and the gleam of Olympic gold, the seeds of Norway`s beach volleyball ascendancy were sown within a family. Jetmund Berntsen, born in 1973, was one of five siblings, all of whom would eventually grace the national teams in volleyball or beach volleyball. The most prominent among them, his older sister Merita, carved her own path to greatness, representing Norway at the Atlanta 1996 Beach Volleyball Olympics. It was this rich, familial tapestry of athletic achievement that would form the bedrock for future triumphs.
Young Jetmund himself was drawn to ball games, trading football pitches for volleyball courts as the seasons turned. By seven, he was immersed in organized volleyball, adding beach volleyball to his repertoire at seventeen. His journey was influenced not only by his sister`s Olympic ambition but profoundly by his brother-in-law, Kare Mol (Merita`s husband). Kare, an internationally renowned beach volleyballer and later a pivotal coach, became a mentor. Jetmund`s own playing career saw him earn a national championship bronze in beach volleyball with Kare in 1995 and even compete in FIVB World Tour events, later winning a national title in indoor volleyball.
The Birth of the «Beachvolley Vikings»
The inspiration for coaching solidified as Jetmund witnessed Kare Mol`s role in Merita`s Olympic journey. It was a hands-on education, a blueprint for nurturing talent. This shared passion evolved into a true family enterprise in 2016, giving rise to the now legendary «Beachvolley Vikings.» At its core were Kare`s son, Anders Mol, Jetmund`s son, Mathias Berntsen, and the «adopted» Christian Sorum. This wasn`t merely a team; it was a carefully curated ecosystem of talent.
Strategic Combinations and Unrivaled Chemistry
The early years were a period of meticulous experimentation. Anders Mol and Mathias Berntsen had already signaled their potential with a CEV U20 European Championship title in 2015. But the search for the ultimate pairing continued. Different combinations were tested, U20 and U22 titles accumulated. Then, a revelation: Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. «They read the game in the same way and had an amazing chemistry between them,» the team observed. It was a technical assessment, devoid of romanticism, yet it unlocked a synergy that would redefine beach volleyball.
From Breakthrough to Unstoppable Dominance
The year 2018 marked their explosive arrival on the world stage. Mol & Sorum embarked on a historic winning streak, clinching five top-tier events consecutively, including the Gstaad five-star, the CEV European Championship, and the World Tour Finals. It was a clear statement: the Vikings had landed, and they were here to conquer.
The following years were a golden age. 2019 saw them secure six out of seven World Tour finals, alongside a bronze at the FIVB World Championship. They were World Tour season champions in both 2018 and 2019, adding two more European titles to their burgeoning collection. The progression was relentless, a testament to consistent training, tactical brilliance, and the seamless coach-player relationship fostered by Berntsen.
The pinnacle arrived in 2021 with Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020, solidifying their status as legends. This was followed by their fourth consecutive EuroBeachVolley title and a World Tour Finals gold. It was at this juncture that Kare Mol, with the wisdom of a patriarch, stepped back, handing the lead coaching reins entirely to Jetmund. A symbolic transfer, yet the engine of success continued to hum.
2022 brought further glory. Mol & Sorum secured three Elite16 gold medals on the inaugural Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour, culminating in a World Championship title in Rome. They reclaimed their number one spot in the FIVB World Ranking, a position they have held with an iron grip ever since. While their incredible streak of four consecutive EuroBeachVolley titles was halted with a bronze in 2022, Jetmund`s influence was broader. As head coach of the Norwegian men`s national team, he led them to triumph at the inaugural CEV BeachVolley Nations Cup.
Beyond the Golden Duo: Cultivating Future Champions
Jetmund Berntsen`s vision extends beyond just Mol & Sorum. His son Mathias Berntsen, paired with Anders Mol`s older brother Hendrik Mol, also saw significant success on the Beach Pro Tour in 2022, finishing the year as number 13 in the World Ranking. Furthermore, Berntsen`s coaching prowess isn`t gender-specific; he guided his daughter Frida Berntsen and Emilie Olimstad to bronze medals at the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games, demonstrating a holistic approach to talent development.
Since 2018, Berntsen has also contributed his expertise to ToppVolley Norge, a prestigious boarding school that seamlessly integrates high school education with elite athletic training for aspiring volleyball and beach volleyball talents. It`s a pragmatic, long-term investment in the future of the sport, ensuring a continuous pipeline of skilled athletes.
It appears that in the world of Norwegian beach volleyball, «family business» is less about sharing a name and more about sharing a gold medal. A surprisingly effective business model, one might argue.
Jetmund Berntsen`s story is a compelling blueprint for sustained sporting excellence. It`s a testament to the power of a strong foundation, strategic vision, and the enduring strength of familial and professional bonds. His work with the Beachvolley Vikings has not just created champions; it has forged a dynasty, setting a formidable standard for beach volleyball success for years to come.
Torin Vale