Norwegian athletics coach Gjert Ingebrigtsen, father of Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen, will stand trial next year on charges of abusing two of his children.
The 58-year-old, widely recognized for coaching his sons to international success, faces accusations of physical and psychological abuse, which he strongly denies. His lawyers have stated, “Gjert Ingebrigtsen maintains his innocence and denies all claims of abuse toward his children.”
Jakob, an Olympic gold medalist and world record holder, has reportedly testified about years of alleged mistreatment, including being hit and threatened.
Norwegian media outlet VG reported that Jakob described incidents where physical violence lasted up to 30 minutes, as well as threats to his life. Other family members have corroborated these accounts, citing a pattern of psychological control and physical aggression during their upbringing.
The trial is expected to feature up to 40 witnesses and could span several months.
The allegations come after Gjert stepped down as his sons’ coach in 2022. Once a key figure in the family’s popular documentary series, he has been absent from recent episodes, sparking speculation about tensions within the family.
Despite these revelations, the Ingebrigtsen brothers have achieved remarkable feats in athletics. Jakob, in particular, has secured Olympic and world championship titles and set records in the 3000m and two-mile events, cementing his status as one of the greatest distance runners of his generation.
As the trial approaches, the case sheds new light on the dynamics behind the Ingebrigtsen family’s public image, potentially altering how fans and followers perceive their journey to success.
