Jakob Ingebrigtsen Shares Impact of Domestic Violence in Court Testimony

Jakob Ingebrigtsen concluded the last day of his father’s criminal trial with a moving statement, admitting in court that he feels “embarrassed to be a victim of domestic violence,” while advocating for increased support for children who continue to live in fear.

This week, prosecutors in Sandnes, Norway, recommended that Gjert Ingebrigtsen, aged 59 and Jakob’s coach during his Olympic 1,500m gold medal victory in Tokyo 2021, be sentenced to 2½ years in prison for alleged physical and verbal abuse towards Jakob and his younger sister, Ingrid.

In a final statement, Gjert’s legal defense challenged the claims made by Jakob and his siblings, urging their client’s acquittal. However, Jakob, who earlier provided impactful testimony during a six-week trial that included a disturbing account of his father kicking him in the stomach when he fell off his scooter, took the stand to reaffirm his truthfulness.

“It is embarrassing to be a victim of domestic violence,” he stated. “I have lived with this since childhood, and I have no reason to lie. It’s shameful for our family, defying the image we picture of ourselves. We will forever carry the emotional weight of this trial.”

In a separate editorial for VG, a major Norwegian newspaper, Ingebrigtsen, aged 24, along with his brothers Henrik and Filip, expressed how their father’s abusive behavior influenced the decision to remove him as their coach.

Ingebrigtsen, who triumphed in the Olympic 5,000m event in Paris last summer without his father’s involvement, emphasized, “My siblings and I will move forward with our lives, regardless of the trial’s outcome. Many children endure this fear daily. Remember them when the cameras stop rolling in Sandnes district court.”

He added, “The court proceedings have deeply affected me and my siblings, irrespective of the verdict. We have always understood this, yet sharing our story felt crucial.”

“We will all bear the consequences of this case. Some will carry a heavier load than others. However, concluding the proceedings today signifies a mental ending for my siblings and me, amid a family matter that has captivated Norway. We are prepared to fulfill our obligations in any further legal actions, if necessary. But mentally, we are choosing to move forward. We are fortunate to have that choice.”

Jakob also highlighted the experiences of other children facing similar difficulties, stating, “Many children encounter challenges that surpass ours. I sincerely hope they are not overlooked once the media attention wanes in the district court.”

He reflected on the media’s consistent coverage of the trial, describing it as a significant burden that he wished to avoid, while acknowledging its necessity. “Some of us have sought to bring this topic into public discussion. I appreciate the media’s role in illuminating court proceedings.”

Jakob expressed his feelings about the trial’s scrutiny, sharing, “I feel sadness over not receiving the acknowledgment I had wished for and regret that many outsiders have become involved in our family matters. Nevertheless, I am profoundly thankful for the overwhelming support my siblings and I have received.”

“I am also doing well. There is a major relief in finally being able to reveal the truth. Will this situation impact me as an athlete? Certainly. However, it has also strengthened the bond among my siblings and my new family, which is invaluable to me.

“Despite everything, I prefer not to engage with media inquiries about this case. My narrative was fully conveyed in court. Instead, I implore journalists to focus on highlighting the needs of those children who truly require help, those unable to escape their dire circumstances as I have.”

Judge Arild Dommersnes has indicated that a verdict is expected on June 16.