Dec 7, 2024, 8:29 AM
Dec 7, 2024, 8:29 AM

Jakob Ingebrigtsen's childhood training raises concerns over athlete development

Highlights
  • Jakob Ingebrigtsen trained intensively from the age of 10, often running up to 120 km weekly under his father's guidance.
  • His father, Gjert Ingebrigtsen, stepped down as coach in 2022 amid serious allegations, prompting tensions within the family.
  • The emotional and physical challenges of this upbringing have significantly shaped Jakob's career and personal life.
Story

Ingebrigtsen grew up in Norway, training intensely from a young age under the guidance of his father, Gjert Ingebrigtsen. His regimen began when he was just 11 years old, where he was already running more than 120 kilometers weekly, an approach that continued until he broke a milestone at 16 as the youngest to run a mile in under four minutes. However, the rigorous training led to significant familial tensions, culminating in Gjert stepping away as coach in 2022, citing health issues. Recent allegations against Gjert, which have resulted in him facing a trial next year, have put additional strain on their relationship, as revealed by his sons. They reported a history of aggressive behavior and physical violence as part of their upbringing. This hostility ultimately led to Jakob and his brothers announcing their departure from their father’s coaching, resulting in Jakob finding new directions in his athletic career, including competing in elite races such as the Euro Cross. Despite these challenges, Jakob has achieved remarkable success in long-distance running, setting impressive world records while maintaining a reputation as a leading athlete in his sport. The ongoing narrative of pain and achievement underscores the powerful emotional impacts of his upbringing and the intense pressures placed upon him in pursuit of excellence.

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