In the world of elite sports, few stories capture the imagination quite like that of a small nation rising to global dominance. For Norway, that narrative has been spectacularly written in the sands of beach volleyball, largely thanks to the strategic brilliance and unwavering dedication of coach Jetmund Berntsen. As the architect behind the «Beachvolley Vikings,» he has molded talents like Anders Mol and Christian Sorum into Olympic, world, and European champions, redefining what`s possible in the sport.
A Lifelong Connection to the Net
Berntsen`s journey into the upper echelons of beach volleyball coaching began not on a grand international stage, but in the humble, vibrant volleyball community of Naustdal, Norway. From a young age, the ball was his constant companion. Organized volleyball started at seven, followed by beach volleyball in the early 90s. This early immersion, coupled with the presence of national team players like his sister Merita, established a deep-rooted passion.
A pivotal influence was his brother-in-law, Kare Mol – a former national team coach and an Olympian himself. Kare’s pursuit of the Atlanta 1996 Olympics became a firsthand masterclass for a young Berntsen. This exposure solidified his ambition: not merely to play, but to dedicate his life to volleyball, fostering talent from the ground up. He emphasizes the importance of institutions like Toppvolley Norge, a school he praises for its unique culture, knowledge, and atmosphere – a genuine powerhouse for developing young athletes and coaches alike.
Triumphant Jetmund Berntsen with Mol & Sorum after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic final.
Forging the Vikings: From Ambitious Youth to Global Titans
The tale of the «Beachvolley Vikings» is less a fairy tale and more a meticulously planned saga. It began with a precocious 12-year-old Anders Mol, who, at the 2009 World Championship in Stavanger, boldly declared his intention to be the youngest ever to play a World Tour Grand Slam. This audacious ambition was not just youthful bravado; it was a premonition.
By 2014, Anders, alongside Mathias Berntsen, indeed broke records as the youngest team to qualify for a Grand Slam. This early success highlighted a burgeoning talent pool in Norway. Following the senior national team`s failure to qualify for the 2016 Olympics, a strategic decision was made: invest in these promising youngsters. Thus, the Beachvolley Vikings program was born, with the explicit goal of qualifying for Tokyo 2020.
The initial years, 2016 and 2017, were a period of intense experimentation. With a cohort of exceptional athletes, Berntsen and his team tested various combinations to identify the most potent pairing. The eventual conclusion: Anders Mol and Christian Sorum possessed an «amazing chemistry» and a shared intuitive understanding of the game. The results that followed were nothing short of historic. While the Olympic gold and multiple European titles are monumental, Berntsen often refers to the 2018 Gstaad five-star World Tour victory as the most cherished memory. It was an «out-of-body experience,» a moment when a small Norwegian team, comprising two players and a coach, demonstrated they could conquer the global elite. The raw emotion of that victory, solidified by Christian’s seemingly impossible defense on match point in the semifinal, instilled an unshakeable belief that anything was achievable.
Jetmund Berntsen leading the Norwegian national team at the CEV Nations Cup 2022 in Vienna.
The Subtle Art of Beach Coaching: Why Silence is Golden
One of the more peculiar aspects of beach volleyball, compared to its indoor counterpart, is the limited in-game coaching allowed. This rule often leaves coaches in the background, a stark contrast to the vociferous sideline presence seen in many other sports. Berntsen, however, views this not as a limitation, but a foundational element of the sport`s appeal.
He posits that «tactics never win games» in beach volleyball. Instead, success hinges on technical proficiency, mental resilience, and the players` ability to manage momentum shifts on their own. This perspective highlights the inherent fascination and beauty of the sport for him. While acknowledging that more coaching involvement during timeouts and between sets could offer fans greater insight and professionalize the image, he maintains a cautious stance. Too much external input, he suggests, could detract from the core essence of the game – the raw, unassisted battle of wills and skill between two pairs. A subtle irony perhaps, that a sport thriving on its players` self-reliance is coached by someone who intrinsically understands the power of letting them lead.
Beyond the Media Spotlight: Growing the Game in Norway
Despite the unprecedented international success, Berntsen himself remains largely outside the mainstream media spotlight in Norway. In a nation where winter sports and football dominate the headlines, even global top-tier athletes and their coaches in other disciplines often struggle for recognition. While Anders Mol and Christian Sorum are undoubtedly celebrities, their coach operates with a more understated profile.
Berntsen is pragmatic about this reality. He understands the cultural inertia, yet his dedication to growing beach volleyball remains undimmed. Every day, he and his team work tirelessly to raise the sport`s profile, hoping that one day, the phenomenal achievements of the Beachvolley Vikings will fully capture the national imagination, transcending traditional media preferences. It`s a testament to his long-term vision that the legacy he`s building extends beyond medals, aiming to inspire a new generation to embrace the sand.
Jetmund Berntsen`s career is a masterclass in dedicated, long-term athletic development. From childhood passion to Olympic glory, his journey underscores that true coaching success isn`t just about winning titles, but about fostering a deep understanding of the game, nurturing raw talent, and building an environment where players can truly flourish – even if it means stepping back and allowing them to own their moments of triumph on the sand.
Torin Vale