Gjert Ingebrigtsen, Athletics | Norwegians divided over Gjert Ingebrigtsen

After several years of a much-discussed and inflamed conflict in the well-known athletics family, a criminal case was opened in October, before charges were brought against Gjert Ingebrigtsen last week.

There is talk of abuse in close relationships, where the 58-year-old has always denied criminal guilt.

The case has received massive attention both in Norway and internationally. The seriousness of the matter has caused several people to ask whether it is right for Gjert Ingebrigtsen to continue as coach. In a new opinion poll, it appears that Norwegians are divided on the question of his future.

A new opinion poll shows that the majority in this country still have faith in the coach.

A survey carried out by InFact for Nettavisen shows that 36.4 per cent answer “no” to whether the Sandnes man should resign as coach on the basis of the indictment against him. 28.7 percent answer “yes” and 34.9 percent answer “don’t know”.

The lawyer answers

Ingebrigtsen’s lawyer, John Christian Elden, responds as follows to Nettavisen’s figures:

– It is fairly obvious both in sport and in society in general that you should be considered innocent until you are possibly convicted. The fact that the public prosecutor’s office files a charge does not change this. That 28 percent think otherwise is perhaps surprising, but has no impact on sports and training.

Read also: The defender on Gjert Ingebrigtsen’s coaching future: Should stay in the background

The poll shows that there are far more women who think Ingebrigtsen should step down from the coaching role. Of those who think he should go, 37.3 per cent are women and 20.3 per cent men.

The father of seven is no longer a coach for his three running sons, but is responsible for, among others, Narve Gilje Nordås, who had his breakthrough with a bronze medal in the WC last year. He has stated that he will continue the collaboration.

Withdraw

A few days ago, the news came that Ingebrigtsen will in future stay more in the background in connection with competitions. He has also asked that the media leave him alone and does not want to be approached.

When his runners competed in Spain last week, Ingebrigtsen was not present at the stadium. However, he brought in both Gilje Nordås and Per Svela afterwards.

– As long as the athletes perform and feel that the collaboration is more positive than negative in sum, and they want him as a coach, he will continue to train them, Heidi Reisvang at Elden Advokatfirma told NTB.

Gilje Nordås runs the next competition in Doha on 10 May. It is unknown whether Ingebrigtsen will travel with him there. The latter does not get accreditation for the Olympics, where his athlete will participate.