Interview with Jenny Ryman Wolpert Jenny Ryman Wolpert is a Gold Life Master from Sweden who represented her country in the Venice Cup in Estoril, Portugal in 2003. Jenny and Gavin Wolpert met at the Bermuda Bowl in Monte Carlo in 2003 and were married in 2007. They are the youngest couple to win the Blue Ribbon Pairs. She was 20 at the time and he was 23. Jenny and Gavin currently reside in Florida with their daughter.
How old were you when you learned to play? 10
What drew you to learn bridge? My parents played and brought me to tournaments. I met some friends there and we taught each other to play and played with each other.
Did your parents play? Yes
Why do you still play? It is my profession, but bridge is everything. I can’t imagine not playing.
Have you played continuously? When I was growing up, I played mostly during the summers. My parents wouldn’t allow me to stay up late when I was younger. Around 15 or so, I began to play almost every weekend and all through the summers.
What is your best bridge memory? Meeting Gavin has to be at the top of the list; but those early years when I was in school and waited for summer to come so I could meet my friends and be able to play bridge are special.
What do you look for in a partner and/or teammates? In a partner – Open mindedness. In a teammate - Understanding and a constructive attitude.
How did you balance bridge-school-dating- other activities? I was in School Monday through Friday and then Bridge Saturday and Sunday.
Words of advice to young players? Play a lot
Any other thoughts? Have Fun!
Interview conducted by Patty Tucker (San Diego NABC, Fall 2009)