Gjert Ingebrigtsen Denies Abuse Allegations in Emotional Court Testimony

The father of Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen defends himself in court, claiming his actions were those of an 'overly protective' parent, as the trial continues in Norway.

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.