After diligently indulging in the tranquil leisure for an extended period, it becomes shockingly apparent that the complimentary seven-day trials are expiring, a realisation that arose just prior to the final instalment of ‘Ingebrigtsen: Born to Run’. This series is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
The trajectory of this latest six-part series is already well-known to most viewers, saving it from potential spoilers. Jakob Ingebrigtsen, contrary to his own bold forecast, ended up not defending his Olympic 1,500 metres title in Paris. Instead, he found comfort in clinching the 5,000m title and later outpaced the three athletes who had surpassed him in the 1,500m, concluding the Diamond League undefeated.
Its precursor, ‘Team Ingebrigtsen’, graced the Norwegian television screens from 2016 until the Tokyo Olympics. ‘Born to Run’ follows suit, offering an intimate glimpse into family dynamics, embracing a format that is part reality show, part coaching handbook, and wholly centred around running.
This iteration chronicles a much more condensed timeline, depicting the four months that lead up to the Paris Olympics. It emits a mature appeal, or, at the very least, an experience that is significantly less light-hearted.
This tonal shift is, in part, due to the alarming accusations unveiled nearly a year ago by Jakob and his elder siblings, Henrik and Filip. Coached by their father, Gjert, they confessed to enduring “physical violence and threats”, and described their upbringing under a father who was “very aggressive and controlling”.
In a counter-statement released through his legal representative, Gjert, aged 58, declared these allegations from his three sons as “groundless”, fervently denying any allegations of violence towards his children.
He subsequently acknowledged his shortcomings as a parent, admitting that his excessive coaching involvement came too late. The admission comes from a family that has allowed their lifestyle to be publicised for many years via television shows, interviews, and various other means. The presence of violence in this high-profile family is utterly shocking.
The unfolding drama is first introduced at about halfway through the initial episode. In the second episode, just prior to Filip’s initial 2024 race, the Norwegian authorities allege Gjert is guilty of physical abuse, a claim also believed to involve their younger sister, Ingrid, who has since abandoned her running career.
It is anticipated that the trial will commence by the end of the year, potentially adding to what Henrik refers to as an “insurmountably difficult year” for Jakob, who is now coached by Henrik.
The documentary, Born to Run, reveals the undeniably gruelling training programs of the Ingebrigtsen siblings, from continuous hill exercises to 24 laps of 400m intervals on the track, coupled with their sporadically playful demeanour – Jakob, for instance, licks his bleeding finger after lactate testing rather than waste a drop.
The program also explores Jakob’s well-documented rivalry with Britain’s Josh Kerr, who outperformed him to win the 1,500m world Championship title last year, only to later secure the silver medal in Paris, losing to USA’s Cole Hocker.
Jakob dismisses the media-created rivalry narrative with a chilling statement. He points out that the contention was solely instigated by “that imbecile who started bad-mouthing me” – a statement given weight by the conspicuous absence of eye contact during their subsequent interactions.
The captivating aspect of Born to Run lies in its exploration of the family dynamic. The once tightly-knit and seemingly perfect Ingebrigtsen family is now tragically irreparable.
In February 2022, Norway’s Stavanger Aftenblad newspaper revealed that Gjert was resigning as coach to his three children, all of whom he tutored to European title wins. Initial conjecture speculated health issues as impetus. However, it later became clear that a personal conflict was the cause.
Two years on, the three siblings continue to cope with the loss of their paternal figurehead, with no mention of their mother, Tone. As they navigate this loss, their lives progress with the birth of new family members, construction of homes, all whilst maintaining family as their bedrock.
In the second episode, during a training camp at Flagstaff, Arizona, Jakob delves into his relationship with his wife Elisabeth, stating jokingly, “She’s smitten with me, and I’m also pretty fond of myself. We’re a perfect pair.”
Despite sounding immature, Elisabeth reassures the viewers when showing some of the new baby clothes she has bought.
“I’ve got loads of adorable items, Jakob believes it’s all nonsense. But I find it delightful. That’s what truly counts.”
However, underneath these harmless exchanges lie struggles. For instance, Henrik has to cut his training short in Flagstaff and return prematurely to their home in Sandnes, Norway, as Liva, his wife, grapples with mental health issues while managing their young daughter. Filip, faced with an impending arrival of his second child, also finds himself questioning his future.
In an intriguing scene, the trio and Elisabeth set up for dinner at their training site in Flagstaff. Elisabeth, seemingly in jest, asks Jakob, “Would you mind checking on Filip to see if he’s feeling any better now?”
“I’m not the caring type, Elisabeth should be the one,” responds Jakob.
“Please, Jakob, go ahead,” she retorts.
So, Jakob inquires: “Are you feeling better, Filip? (‘Yes, I’m somewhat better.’) Don’t strain yourself when you’re unwell. It’s important to listen to our bodies. When you hit rock bottom, you must understand that you can’t worsen the situation…”
Although it’s not explicitly stated if Jakob is referencing their father, there’s a sombre undertone to his words, hinting that despite his continued athletic triumphs, he endures a hefty cost off the stage.