Controversial Coach Gjert Ingebrigtsen to Coach Portuguese Athlete at European Championships

Controversial Norwegian coach Gjert Ingebrigtsen, 60, is set to coach Portugal's middle-distance runner José Carlos Pinto at the upcoming European Athletics Championships in Birmingham. His presence at the event, revealed through the Portuguese athletics federation's team announcement, marks a surprising turn after earlier reports indicated he had concluded his coaching career.

Ingebrigtsen's recent coaching relationships have been tumultuous. Narve Gilje Nordås, one of his former trainees, announced the end of their 13-year collaboration. Per Svela, also part of Ingebrigtsen's coaching group, previously told Norwegian media VG that the partnership was more taxing than rewarding. Additionally, Ingebrigtsen reportedly ceased working with the international running group Viking Athletics, which included Pinto and Patricia Silva. It appears he will continue coaching Silva alongside Pinto.

This move comes despite Ingebrigtsen not securing a coaching position through the Norwegian Athletics Federation for international competitions since 2023. He previously coached his sons, Henrik, Filip, and Jakob Ingebrigtsen, for many years, a collaboration that ended in 2022. The Ingebrigtsen siblings have been involved in a legal battle with their father, accusing him of domestic violence. While Gjert Ingebrigtsen was acquitted of charges concerning his son Jakob, he received a 15-day suspended prison sentence for the physical assault of one of his daughters.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen is a celebrated figure in middle-distance running, holding multiple Olympic, World, and European gold medals. His older brothers are also accomplished medalists in the sport. The circumstances surrounding Gjert Ingebrigtsen's continued coaching role, particularly given his past controversies and legal entanglements, have drawn significant attention.