In a country where he’s seen as a national hero, Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen took a deeply personal and emotional stand—this time not on the track, but in a courtroom.
Norway has been gripped by the ongoing trial of his father, Gjert Ingebrigtsen, and the case is heading toward a long-awaited verdict, expected on June 16.
The drama unfolding inside a Sandnes courtroom has stunned the public, as the celebrated family of elite runners faces a painful reckoning behind the scenes.
“No Motive to Lie”: Jakob Speaks About His Painful Past
Jakob, just 24 years old, addressed the court with a powerful and emotional statement as the trial reached its final stages.
Fighting through the weight of the moment, he told the court he had “no motives for lying” and admitted it was deeply embarrassing to be in this position.
“It’s embarrassing to be a victim of domestic violence,” Jakob said.
“It doesn’t fit into the image you have of yourself or your family.”
His words were raw, sincere, and struck a chord with many watching.
Prosecutors Push for Jail Time Over Abuse Allegations
Gjert Ingebrigtsen, 59, has pleaded not guilty to the charges of both physical and emotional abuse brought forward by Jakob and his 19-year-old sister Ingrid.
But prosecutors believe the evidence paints a different picture and are calling for a prison sentence of two-and-a-half years.
At the heart of the case are disturbing claims—incidents dating back to Jakob’s childhood, including beatings for being late to races or receiving poor behavior reports from school.
From Childhood Trauma to Public Testimony
Jakob first testified at the start of the trial, opening up about what he described as years of manipulation and control from his father.
One particular memory stood out—being hit repeatedly as an eight-year-old, over small missteps like tardiness and school discipline.
He described a long pattern of behavior that extended into his teenage years, including emotional attacks that seemed aimed at isolating him from his now-wife, Elisabeth Asserson.
At one point, Gjert allegedly referred to the young couple as “terrorists.”
Carrying the Baggage of the Past into Adulthood
In his closing statement, Jakob said he felt a sense of relief now that everything was out in the open. But he also acknowledged the toll it’s taken.
“Of course it will affect me as an athlete,” he said.
“But it’s also brought my siblings and my new family closer. That means more than anything else.”
Ingrid Finds Freedom and a New Bond With Her Siblings
Jakob’s younger sister Ingrid also spoke out, describing a transformation in her life since distancing herself from their father.
“Five years ago I never thought I’d live the life I have now,” she said. “I have freedom and control over my life.”
More than that, she emphasized the unity it’s created among the siblings: “We’ve never been this close. And we’ve got each other’s backs.”
Defense Argues the Trial Should Never Have Happened
Gjert’s legal team, however, believes the case is unfounded.
Defense attorney Heidi Reisvang argued that it should never have gone to court in the first place. The defense is pushing for a full acquittal.
Still, the testimonies from multiple family members have painted a troubling picture of the man once seen as the mastermind behind Norway’s most successful athletic family.
A Family Once United by Sport Now Divided by Pain
Gjert famously coached three of his sons—Jakob, Filip, and Henrik—into becoming elite distance runners.
All three competed at the Olympics and became household names in Norway.
But in 2022, the coaching relationship came to an end.
A year later, in October 2023, the brothers released a joint public statement that shook the country.
In it, they accused their father of using aggression, control, and physical punishment as a part of their upbringing.
Public Pressure and Private Trauma Collide
In a joint interview, the brothers confessed they still feel the “discomfort and fear” that started in their childhood and has lingered into their adult lives.
The contrast between their public success and private trauma has stunned fans and sparked national conversations about family, discipline, and abuse.
All Eyes on June 16 as Norway Awaits a Verdict
As the court prepares to announce its decision next month, the story has already left a deep mark on the public.
For Jakob and his siblings, it’s not just about legal justice—it’s about healing, truth, and moving forward after years of silence.
The world may know Jakob Ingebrigtsen as an Olympic champion, but now, many also see him as a survivor—courageously confronting a painful past for the sake of truth and family.