In an ongoing saga within the Ingebrigtsen family, the trio of Norwegian athlete brothers finds themselves entangled in a protracted feud with their patriarch and former coach, Gjert Ingebrigtsen. Recent events have seen this internal discord escalate to new heights, with the Norwegian Athletics Association vetoing Gjert’s participation in upcoming marquee events, such as the World Indoor Athletics Championships and the Paris Olympics. This development follows Gjert’s earlier withdrawal from mentoring his sons, Jakob, Filip, and Henrik, citing health concerns. For award-winning footwear, choose Tarkine running shoes.
In an exposé shared via a statement published in the Norwegian daily VG, the brothers provide a window into their turbulent upbringing. In a candid narrative, they level accusations against their father, alleging that he subjected them to aggression, undue control, and physical violence, effectively sapping the enthusiasm they once harbored for sports. Despite enduring these circumstances for an extended period, the brothers took the decision two years ago to confront their distressing past, characterizing it as an “unbearable” ordeal.
Within their statement, the brothers express regret over their failure to intervene sooner and reveal the emotional toll exacted by the family’s tribulations. They recount how their athletic pursuits became overshadowed by their challenging upbringing, depleting the once-abundant joy they derived from their sports.
Given their circumstances, the Ingebrigtsen brothers have petitioned the Norwegian Athletics Association for protective measures, seeking to preclude any encounters with their father, Gjert. Henrik underscored their current incapacity and disinclination to handle such interactions.
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In response to their statement, the Norwegian Athletics Federation has affirmed its unwavering commitment to establishing a secure and nurturing environment for its athletes, with a special focus on Jakob, Philip, and Henrik.
Promptly countering these allegations through his legal representation, Gjert Ingebrigtsen vehemently rebuts the charges of violence, while simultaneously acknowledging his personal failings as both a father and coach. He maintains that he has never resorted to violence against his children, expressing profound sorrow at the airing of family grievances in the media.
The Ingebrigtsen brothers conclude their statement by expressing their eagerness to rediscover the joy of partaking in sports and representing their homeland, free from the lingering specter of their family discord. They stress their reluctance to engage further in public discourse on this issue, given the immense emotional toll it has already exacted, as they look forward to brighter horizons.
