Olympic Champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen Reveals Dark Upbringing: Abuse Allegations Against Father

Double Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen delivered emotional testimony this week in a Norwegian courtroom, alleging years of systematic abuse at the hands of his father and former coach, Gjert Ingebrigtsen.

Shocking Allegations Surface in Court

The 24-year-old athletics star, winner of 1500m gold at Tokyo 2020 and 5000m gold at Paris 2024, described his upbringing as being "characterized by fear" during proceedings in Sandnes.

"Everything was controlled and decided for me," Ingebrigtsen told the court, according to NRK reports. "There was an enormous amount of manipulation. As a teenager I felt I had no free will or say in anything."

Detailed Abuse Claims

The hearing revealed multiple disturbing allegations:

Physical assaults beginning at age 8
Excessive training regimens (2-3 sessions daily as a teen)
Being struck for school behavioral reports
Facial blow for arriving late to a race
Stomach kick after falling off a scooter
Threats during junior championships
Destruction of personal property

Brothers' Previous Allegations

Jakob isn't alone in these claims. His Olympic-athlete brothers Filip (31) and Henrik (34) went public in 2023 with similar allegations about their father, who coached the trio until 2022. The brothers described Gjert as "very aggressive and controlling," saying they still experience "discomfort and fear."

Legal Proceedings

Gjert Ingebrigtsen faces multiple charges, though some were dropped due to evidentiary issues. His defense maintains a "different perception of reality" regarding these events. The former coach is expected to testify next week.