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Ingrid Ingebrigtsen Testifies Father Forced Training Despite Asthma Attack
The father of Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen allegedly compelled his daughter to continue running despite her struggling for breath after she forgot her asthma medication, a Norwegian court has heard. Ingrid Ingebrigtsen, daughter of Gjert Ingebrigtsen, stated the incident occurred while she was on a treadmill in their family home’s basement.
Details of the Incident
Ingrid Ingebrigtsen recounted to the court in Sagnes, Norway, that her father, Gjert – the former coach to her brothers Jakob, Henrik, and Filip, all internationally acclaimed athletes, and a known figure from the “Team Ingebrigtsen” documentary series – reprimanded her during the event. Gjert Ingebrigtsen faces accusations of abusive behaviour stemming from his training methods.
“I ended up jumping off the treadmill, went to my room, and focused on breathing,” Ingrid Ingebrigtsen testified. “I attempted to regain composure and expressed my desire to discontinue athletic training.”
Documentary Series and Family Life
Days following the treadmill incident, Ingrid, now 18, described an emotional breakdown in front of the documentary series producers.
“They inquired about my future aspirations in athletics,” she explained. “At that moment, I perceived no future and became overwhelmed with emotion. I lost control and broke down. The producers appeared shocked and uncomfortable, and the interview was prematurely concluded.”
While the documentary series has achieved significant popularity in Norwegian television history, Ingrid informed the court it did not always accurately portray their family dynamics.
“Filming commenced when I was five,” she stated. “It became an integral part of my upbringing, something I lived with without genuine personal choice. It was noticeable how behaviours shifted when cameras were present. I believe much of what occurred was not included in the final production.”
Ingrid elaborated, “The entire series wasn’t fabricated, but particular situations and discussions may have been manipulated. We would be positioned in the kitchen and told, ‘now we are going to discuss this.’ However, the essence of the conversations was authentic.”
Allegations of Abuse and Coercion
Court documents outline allegations that Gjert Ingebrigtsen utilized threats, coercion, and physical violence against his daughter, alongside restricting her personal freedom.
Gjert Ingebrigtsen is currently on trial and could face imprisonment for up to six years if convicted of abusive conduct towards both Ingrid and Jakob. He refutes all allegations of violent actions.
Further Testimony Details Father’s Behaviour
On the second day of her testimony, Ingrid Ingebrigtsen further detailed an occasion when her father allegedly put his finger in her face and struck her with a damp towel when she requested to socialize with friends.
She indicated that her relationship with her father deteriorated after she decided to stop running in the preceding autumn. She also testified to being confined to her home against her wishes during her leisure time.
“He could completely disregard me,” she recounted. “I sensed his anger. He eventually declared that he no longer considered me his daughter.”
Confrontation and Apology
Questioned about an incident in January 2022, Ingrid explained she resisted her father’s refusal to allow her to meet friends between 5 pm and 6 pm, which led to him pointing his finger in her face.
“I had felt confined in my own home for an extended period,” she stated. “I was resolute that day would be different and refused to accept his ‘no’.”
“Having endured months of depression and feeling ignored, I felt bullied. I pushed his finger away. Even now, I am surprised at my own action, but I was likely exceptionally upset and angry.”
“He had a small, damp towel he had been using during exercise. He lashed it at my face. Initially, he did so without making contact, then he repeated the action, striking my cheek.”
Ingrid testified that she subsequently sought refuge with her brother Henrik’s wife, who lived nearby. She added that her father called her persistently afterwards, stating “if I didn’t return, he would come and retrieve me.”
Cross-Examination and Text Messages
During cross-examination, Ingrid was presented with text messages exchanged with her father in 2021. She confirmed these messages indicated she had not previously requested time off from training before deciding to stop running.
The court was also shown a text message from Gjert dated January 6, 2022, following the alleged towel incident. “I sincerely apologise with all my heart,” the message read. “I promise to never raise my voice to you again in my life.”
On Monday, the court was shown photographic evidence of the mark on Ingrid’s face. This event preceded Jakob and his brothers severing their coaching relationship with Gjert and publicly disclosing their allegations. Ingrid confirmed she has not resided with her parents since this occurred.
Trial Continues
The trial is scheduled to continue until May 16.
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