Geir Helgemo is a Norwegian-born titan in the world of bridge, making him an unlikely candidate to be disciplined for failing a mandatory drug test.
But last month, the World Bridge Federation — yes, bridge as in the card game — suspended Mr. Helgemo after a random test found the presence of synthetic testosterone and Clomifene, a medication typically used to treat infertility in women that can also increase testosterone levels in men.
Mr. Helgemo, a professional player who represents Monaco at tournaments, will not be allowed to participate in a bridge competition until November, the federation said.
Unlike a typical doping scandal, the substances found in Mr. Helgemo’s urine were not meant to enhance his performance, David Harris, the federation’s general counsel, said on Saturday.
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Mr. Helgemo, who is serving a prison sentence in Norway for tax fraud unrelated to his suspension, could not be reached on Saturday.
Although doping scandals are almost always associated with physically arduous sports, such as cycling and track, the same rules set by the World Anti-Doping Agency apply to more sedentary games that are recognized by the International Olympic Committee, such as bridge and chess.
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This standard is controversial in the bridge community, however, where some players wonder why they have to be tested for drugs that would not even help them win, said Alvin Levy, the first vice president of the federation. On an internet forum for bridge players, hundreds of comments were posted, with some saying that drug testing for bridge players made no sense.
Originally Posted by Casual Friday
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