Overview

• Gjert Ingebrigtsen, father and former coach of Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen, denies allegations of physical and psychological abuse against his children Jakob and Ingrid in a trial expected to run until May 16, 2025.
• In court, Gjert described himself as an 'overly protective' father, admitting to actions like throwing a PlayStation out of a window but denying any incidents of physical harm to his children.
• Jakob and Ingrid have testified about alleged abuse, including claims of being struck and manipulated, which Gjert refuted while suggesting some evidence, such as a red mark on Ingrid's face, could have alternative explanations.
• Gjert criticized Jakob during his testimony, describing him as a 'privileged boy' who has been 'carried on a golden chair,' while also expressing regret over the strained family relationships.
• The trial has drawn significant public attention in Norway, highlighting broader debates about the boundaries between strict parenting, coaching, and abuse in high-performance sports families.