He contracted polio early, when he was only six months old. To begin with, he was totally paralysed, later regaining most movement, but he has never had use of one foot. He competes in the LW2.
Svein has three sisters, and is married and has four children. They live in Heimdal, Trondheim, near his training base in Granåsen. He was born in Gåslanddalen, Hølonda and is a member of Leik IL.
