Pushy sporting parents: How far is too far?

Pushy sporting parents: How far is too far?

The trial of Norwegian double Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen's father has sparked conversation around the decisive role parents play in sporting development. But competetiveness can all too easily spill over.

Has Gjert Ingebrigtsen driven his sons and daughter to record athletics with psychological and physical violence – above all Olympic champion Jakob? Impressions from a process that moves a country deeply.

Norwegian Gjert Ingebrigtsen raised all three of his sons to become world-class runners, but after many years it turned out that the seemingly idyllic partnership was poisoned by violence in their teens, and the children are now suing. Olympic champion Jakob no longer calls Gjert his father, but only refers to him as a defendant.

Kristoffer Ingebrigtsen told of an upbringing characterized by fear of his father, with physical reactions and a strict regime.

Gjert Ingebrigtsen's eldest son Kristoffer Ingebrigtsen (37) told the court on Thursday about the dramatic minutes after his father allegedly hit his daughter with a towel.

The eldest son testifies against Gjert Ingebrigtsen: “Screamed at her since she was little SØR-ROGALAND DISTRICT COURT, SANDNES (NETTAVISEN): The trial continues on Thursday in which athletics coach Gjert Ingebrigtsen is charged with domestic abuse against his daughter and the running star Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Gjert Ingebrigtsen denies the crime and has given his free explanation on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and been questioned by both the p…