NZZ AKZENT - How Jakob Ingebrigtsen became one of the fastest runners in the world – and distanced himself from his father

Listen to and subscribe to the podcast «NZZ Akzent» on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Castbox .

Do you have any feedback about the podcast? Tell us what you think.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen is one of the world's most successful middle-distance runners. He holds several world records and became an Olympic champion at just 20 years old. Jakob's extraordinary ambition became apparent early on. His path to the world's top is closely linked to the rigorous training of his father, who also coaches his older brothers Henrik and Filip.

All of their sons were coached by their father from an early age. A seven-part TV documentary and sporting successes made the family famous throughout Norway. But the facade eventually began to crumble. In 2023, allegations of abuse were made public in an open letter in a Norwegian tabloid: The three brothers claimed that their childhood was marked by their father's violence and outbursts of anger.

The allegations are so detailed that the police have initiated an investigation. The trial is currently underway. The family's statements are being eagerly followed throughout Norway, sports editor Christof Krapf explains in a podcast.

You can find all episodes of “NZZ Akzent” in this overview.