The father of Norwegian middle-distance runner Jakob Ingebrigtsen has gone on trial accused of violently abusing his superstar son.
Jakob, 24, spent the weekend underlining his position as one of the world’s finest athletes by winning gold medals in the 3,000 metres and 1500 metres at the World Indoor Championships in China.
His father Gjert, who used to coach his son, could face up to six years in jail over an alleged 14-year campaign of domestic abuse, which also involved Jakob’s younger sister.
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The defence has played the first episode of the TV documentary series Team Ingebrigtsen in court, saying that if there was evidence of abuse the film makers would have uncovered it.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Team Norway celebrates winning the Gold medal in Men’s 5000m Final on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images) Getty
“This claim of domestic abuse is unique because there were productions being made with the family in training camps, during holidays and in everyday life. If there had been systematic abuse it would have been discovered,” Gjert’s defence attorney, Heidi Reisvang, told the Associated Press.
Reisvang added that the court should differentiate between the role of coach and father. “It is clear that someone training to be a world champion has a different upbringing to most people and the rules will be strict when related to eating, sleeping and training,” she said.
Ingebrigtsen was coached by his father for 14 years. PA Images via Getty Images
Gjert became a prominent media figure in Norway in 2016 following his involvement in the Team Ingebrigtsen series, in which he was seen coaching his three track and field sons, Jakob, Filip and Henrik.
The series ran until 2021. By 2022 the trio had parted ways with their coach-father and the following year co-signed a column in the national newspaper, VG, accusing Gjert of physical violence and intimidation.
The police opened an investigation, with court proceedings eventually brought relating to Gjert’s treatment of Jakob and his younger sister.
Ingebrigtsen (middle) and his family were featured on a TV show in their native Norway. Getty
On Monday, the prosecution read out the charges, which relate to violation of sections 219 and 282 of the Norwegian Penal Code relating to maltreatment in close relationships.
Asked how he pleaded, Gjert replied “not guilty.”
Gjert continued coaching after the split with his sons and now guides Jakob’s 1500 metres Norwegian rival Narve Gilje Nordas, who will give evidence for the defence in court.
Jakob missed the first day of the trial but is due to give evidence on Tuesday after a 5,000-mile journey from Nanjing in China back to the Soer Rogaland District Court in his home city of Sandnes on the west coast of Norway.
The trial is due to last until May 16.
