In the demanding world of elite sports, behind every celebrated athlete or team often stands a coach whose vision, strategy, and dedication are the true bedrock of success. For the Norwegian beach volleyball sensation, the reigning Olympic and World Champions Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, that guiding force is Jetmund Berntsen. His story isn`t just about coaching; it`s a fascinating blend of family legacy, keen observation, and the meticulous crafting of a system that turned talent into an unstoppable force on the global stage.
A Foundation Built on Sand and Family
Jetmund Berntsen`s connection to volleyball runs deep, woven into the fabric of his family. Growing up as one of five siblings, all of whom would eventually compete at the national level, the sport was less of a choice and more of a natural state of being. His oldest sister, Merita, paved the way, achieving considerable success and representing Norway in beach volleyball at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics. Jetmund himself was no slouch on the court, playing both indoor volleyball, where he won a national title, and beach volleyball, making a few appearances on the international circuit. Yet, it was observing Merita`s journey and, crucially, learning from her husband and his brother-in-law, Kare Mol, who coached Merita, that the seed of coaching truly took root.
Kare Mol, a significant figure in Norwegian volleyball, provided Jetmund with invaluable insights. Spending time around Kare, Jetmund absorbed the nuances of training, strategy, and player management. This period of informal apprenticeship, witnessing the dedication required to compete at the highest level, solidified his own aspirations to lead from the sidelines.
The Rise of the “Beachvolley Vikings”
The family`s shared passion wasn`t destined to remain purely recreational or individualistic. It evolved into a collective endeavor, famously branded as the “Beachvolley Vikings.” This project, formalized around 2016, brought together the next generation of family talent. At its core were Jetmund`s son Mathias Berntsen and Kare`s son – and Jetmund`s nephew – Anders Mol. They were soon joined by Christian Sorum, a player who quickly became an integral part of this close-knit, sporting unit. This initiative wasn`t just about forming a team; it was about creating an environment for focused development, leveraging the family`s collective experience and competitive spirit.
The young Vikings quickly made their mark on the junior circuit. Anders Mol, in particular, showcased immense potential, securing European U20 and U22 titles with various partners in 2015, 2016, and 2017, including victories alongside Jetmund`s son Mathias and Christian Sorum. These early successes were crucial testing grounds, allowing the coaching staff to observe different pairings and understand player dynamics.
Discovering a Champion Partnership
During this experimental phase, Jetmund Berntsen and the coaching team identified something special in the pairing of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. Beyond their individual talents, there was an almost telepathic understanding on the court. They didn`t just react to plays; they seemed to anticipate them in sync, reading opponents and positioning themselves with remarkable precision. This chemistry, this shared vision for the game, was the critical element that suggested this partnership could transcend junior success and compete at the highest level of senior international beach volleyball.
With Mol and Sorum identified as the primary focus, the Beachvolley Vikings project entered a new phase. The training became more targeted, the strategies refined to maximize the unique strengths of this emerging duo. The investment in their development was about to yield spectacular results.
The Golden Age Begins: From Breakthrough to Dominance
The turning point arrived decisively in 2018. Mol and Sorum transitioned from promising talents to global superstars with breathtaking speed. They embarked on an extraordinary winning streak, capturing prestigious titles including their first five-star event in Gstaad, the CEV European Championship in The Hague, the Vienna five-star, and the World Tour Finals in Hamburg. This wasn`t a fluke; it was the coordinated assault of a perfectly matched pair guided by insightful coaching. The “Viking invasion” was well and truly underway.
Their dominance continued unabated in 2019, accumulating more gold medals on the World Tour and earning the World Tour Season Champion title for the second year running. They added another European Championship crown and secured bronze medals at the World Championship and World Tour Finals, cementing their status among the world`s elite.
2021 marked the pinnacle with the ultimate prize: Olympic Gold at the Tokyo Games. This historic victory was followed by their fourth consecutive EuroBeachVolley title and a win at the final World Tour Finals event. During this period of sustained success, the coaching leadership transitioned, with Jetmund Berntsen taking on the primary head coach responsibilities, building upon the foundation established alongside Kare Mol.
Leading into a New Era
Assuming the helm fully, Jetmund Berntsen guided Mol and Sorum seamlessly into the new Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour era in 2022. Their success continued with multiple Elite16 gold medals, culminating in their historic World Championship title victory in Rome, adding the world crown to their Olympic gold – a rare feat. While their streak of European titles ended with a bronze in 2022, Berntsen also led the broader Norwegian men`s national team, featuring Mol & Sorum alongside Mathias Berntsen and Anders`s older brother Hendrik Mol, to victory in the inaugural CEV BeachVolley Nations Cup, showcasing the depth of talent emerging from the Viking system.
The impact of Berntsen`s coaching extends beyond the top pair. He has been instrumental in developing other players within the family and project. He coached his daughter Frida Berntsen and Emilie Olimstad to a bronze medal at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, demonstrating his ability to foster success across different teams and age groups. His work at the ToppVolley Norge boarding school underscores his long-term commitment to nurturing athletic and academic potential side-by-side.
Jetmund Berntsen`s journey is a testament to the power of a shared vision, rooted in family and cultivated with strategic expertise. From a volleyball-centric household to the architect of a beach volleyball dynasty, his approach—identifying key partnerships, fostering chemistry, and building a supportive system—offers a compelling look at the “secrets” behind crafting world-beating athletes. He`s not just coaching players; he`s building a legacy, one victory on the sand at a time.
