Jakob Ingebrigtsen and his brothers Henrik and Filip have gone on record over their split with their father and former coach Gjert ©Getty Images

Norwegian brothers Henrik, Filip and Jakob Ingebrigtsen have claimed the split that became apparent last year with their father, Gjert, who had coached them all to world-class running success, was in reaction to "physical violence and threats".

Henrik, 32, winner of the European Championships 1500 metres title in 2012, and Filip, 30, who earned the same title in 2016 and Jakob, 23, the Olympic 1500m champion and double World Championships gold medallist over 5,000m, made the allegation in joint statement issued to Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang (VG).

"When we broke with Gjert, we thought we would be able to handle the situation in an orderly manner, without mentioning underlying conditions," they said.

“We now realise that is not possible. 

“This matter has become so inflamed, and has had such serious consequences, that we feel a responsibility to clean it up. 

"We grew up with a father who has been very aggressive and controlling, and who has used physical violence and threats as part of his upbringing.

"We still feel discomfort and fear that sit within us from childhood.

"When we were younger, we were a large group of siblings who stood in this together.

"Now the situation is unbearable."

Gjert Ingebrigtsen, left, helped guide his sons to international athletics glory before their split last year ©X
Gjert Ingebrigtsen, left, helped guide his sons to international athletics glory before their split last year ©X

The brothers, who all featured in a reality television show entitled Team Ingebrigtsen on the national channel NRK, admitted they could have done more to stop the situation sooner.

"The fact that we didn't do it weighs on us,” they added. 

"Two years ago, we had enough. 

"From this moment on, we chose to break up with our father. 

"Then it also became impossible for us to continue with him as coach."

Jakob, one of the sport’s superstars, is advised by his two elder brothers.

When he married last month, following his success at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, his father was not invited to the wedding.

Olympic 1500m champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen did not invite his estranged father and former coach Gjert to his wedding when it took place last month ©Getty Images
Olympic 1500m champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen did not invite his estranged father and former coach Gjert to his wedding when it took place last month ©Getty Images

At those Championships Narve Gilje Nordås, a former training partner of the brothers who is still coached by their father, almost caught Jakob on the line in the men’s 1500m final, taking bronze behind him in a race won by Britain’s Josh Kerr.

Gjert Ingebrigtsen, reported to be on "sick leave" in February 2022, has insisted to VG via his lawyer that the statements of his sons are "baseless" and that he is not violent.

"Our family has lived in the public eye for many years, and we have chosen to let the public into our lives through TV shows, interviews and much more," he said.

"That violence should have occurred in this public family life is inconceivable.

"The Norwegian people have seen our lives, for better or worse.

"I'm far from perfect as a father and husband, but I'm not violent."