NORWEGIAN middle and long-distance runners Jakob, Filip and Henrik have all become champions under the tutelage of their dad Gjert.
But since stepping down as their coach, his Olympian sons have accused him of mental and physical abuse — here’s what we know.
Who is Gjert Ingebrigtsen?
Gjert Ingebrigtsen is the father and former coach of Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen and his brothers, who are also professional athletes.
Respected for coaching his sons to international success in middle-distance running, he has recently become the subject of serious allegations and legal proceedings.
Gjert coached his sons Jakob, Filip and Henrik until 2022.
Remarkable success
Under his dad’s guidance, Jakob achieved remarkable success, including winning gold in the 5,000m at Paris 2024 and becoming a two-time world champion in the same distance.
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His other sons also excelled, with Henrik and Filip both claiming European 1500m championships in 2012 and 2016 respectively.
In 2022, Gjert stepped from coaching his sons for ‘medical reasons’ after Jakob secured the 1500m gold at the Tokyo Olympics.
Abuse allegations
In November 2023, Jakob and his siblings publicly accused their father of abusive behaviour, with the allegations outlined in Norwegian newspaper VG.
The brothers expressed ongoing feelings of “discomfort and fear” regarding their father, describing him as “very aggressive and controlling”.
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These allegations led to legal action against Gjert Ingebrigtsen.
Legal charges
In April 2024, Gjert Ingebrigtsen was charged with physical abuse by Norwegian authorities.
On November 29, 2024, Gjert was indicted by the Norwegian public prosecutor’s office for physical and mental abuse of Jakob Ingebrigtsen.
The trial is expected to take place in the first half of 2025, with the prosecution requesting at least 30 days for the proceedings.
Gjert Ingebrigtsen’s denials
Since the allegations were first made, Gjert Ingebrigtsen has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Through his legal representatives, he has maintained that he does not accept criminal responsibility for the accusations.
Gjert’s lawyers John Christian Elden and Heidi Reisvang said in a statement: “Gjert Ingebrigtsen maintains what he has said all along, that he does not admit criminal guilt for the offences he has been charged with and that he has never subjected any of his children to either physical or mental abuse.”
Developments
The case has seen some developments since the initial charges were made.
While Gjert currently faces one charge, five additional allegations were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
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Another was dropped due to time limitations.
Mette Yvonne Larsen, representing the Ingebrigtsen children, has indicated that they intend to appeal at least one of the dismissed cases.
Source: Athletics - thesun.co.uk
