The father of Norwegian middle-distance athlete Jacob Ingebrigtsen has found himself in the dock, accused of abusing his son.
Jakob, 24, spent the weekend confirming his status as one of the world's leading athletes by winning gold medals in the 3000m and 1500m at the World Indoor Championships in China.
His father Gjert, who previously served as his son's coach, could face up to six years in prison for an alleged 14-year campaign of domestic violence that also allegedly involved Jakob's younger sister.
The defense showed the first episode of the documentary series “Team Ingebrigtsen” in court, arguing that if there had been evidence of abuse, the show's creators would have made it public.
“This domestic violence claim is unique because the filming took place with the family at training camps, during holidays and in everyday life. If there had been systematic violence, it would have been revealed,” Gjert's lawyer Heidi Reiswang told The Associated Press.
Ms Reiswang added that the court must distinguish between the roles of the coach and the father.
“Obviously, someone who wants to be a world champion is brought up differently than most, and the rules around nutrition, sleep and training will be strict,” she said.
Hjert became a prominent media figure in Norway in 2016 after appearing on the TV series Team Ingebrigtsen, in which he coached his three track and field sons, Jacob, Philip and Henrik.
The series continued until 2021.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
