World’s best Bridge player banned after failing drugs test

About time they tackled Bridge's doping problem head on

The world's best Bridge player has been suspended after he failed a drugs test, because apparently that matters when you play card games. Geir Helgemo tested positive for testosterone as well as the female fertility drug clomifene at a World Bridge Series vent in Florida back in September last year. Helgemo, who is Norwegian but represents Monaco in Bridge events, accepted the charge of breaching anti-doping rules, and was subsequently suspended by World Bridge Federation (WBF) until 20 November. All of his titles, medals and points from the 2018 World Bridge Series have also been revoked. Kari-Anne Opsal, president of the Norwegian Bridge Federation, said the drugs were “not performance enhancing”. In a statement on the federation’s website, she said: “Geir Helgemo … has previously played for the Norwegian national team and is our biggest star. Many within the bridge community know Geir and respect him. “It is his responsibility not to take substances that are on the doping list, even though in this instance they are not performance enhancing in bridge. I feel for Geir in this situation and hope he will come back stronger after his ban ends.” I'm sure you'll agree that it this is an important step towards tackling the doping problem that has spread throughout the Bridge world like the plague. Finally, the World Bridge Federation (that's a real thing) are taking this seriously. The WBF is recognised by the International Olympic (!!!!) Committee and therefore abides by World Anti-Doping Agency rules.