Four years ago, the world of track and field witnessed a moment that tugged at the heartstrings of fans everywhere. The scene, broadcast on television, splashed across newspapers, and shared widely on social media, came from the Tokyo Olympics—right after the men’s 1500m final. Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the young Norwegian sensation, had just raced his way to Olympic glory, claiming his first-ever gold medal. He would later add another to his collection at the Paris Olympics, making it two-for-two. But there was something profoundly different about his victory in Tokyo.

As Jakob crossed the finish line and the crowd erupted, cameras panned to the support staff section, where they caught a raw, emotional sight. A man wearing an N-series mask was sobbing uncontrollably, his face buried in his hands. Though someone tried to console him, the middle-aged man was overcome with emotion, his tears flowing freely. But who was he? A closer look revealed that the grieving man was none other than Gjert Ingebrigtsen—Jakob’s father and former coach—the man who had once molded him into a dominant force in the 1500m. In that moment, the father and son made history together. Now, Jakob is setting his sights on yet another ambitious milestone. 

At the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, the athlete will be chasing a double crown, competing in the men’s 1500m and 3000m events. Whether he can pull off this remarkable feat remains to be seen—a few more days will reveal the answer. But before starting gunfires in Nanjing, let’s take a step back and dive into the story of the man behind the champion. 

Who is Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s father?

The track and field world was once introduced to a bold and unconventional training method known as the double-threshold program. The mastermind behind it? None other than Gjert Ingebrigtsen, father of Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen. While the program has sparked its share of controversies, few can argue with the results it has produced.

At just 24 years old, Jakob boasts two Olympic gold medals and two world championship titles—an astonishing feat. And he’s not the only one. His older brothers, Henrik and Filip, have also earned success on the track, thanks to their father’s rigorous and unyielding training regimen.

But who exactly is Gjert Ingebrigtsen? A cutting-edge sports scientist who subjected his sons to brutal, scientifically driven workouts? Or a relentless father whose punishing methods came with remarkable rewards?

Surprisingly, Gjert has no formal background in sports science or coaching. The 59-year-old once worked as an accountant at his wife Tone Eva’s hair salon during his free time, while his primary job was with a logistics company. So why did he take on the role of coach? The answer lies in Jakob’s dream—the dream of becoming a professional runner.

Determined to help his son reach the top, Gjert entered the elite track and field world, applying intense and sometimes merciless coaching techniques.

Fans glimpsed this demanding regime through the reality web series Team Ingebrigtsen. Premiering in 2016, the show’s first season featured a 13-year-old Jakob enduring grueling professional-level training under his father’s watchful—and often harsh—eyes. The scenes were eye-opening. Gjert’s methods were hard, unrelenting, and, at times, emotionally draining. Years later, the toll of this strict upbringing would lead Jakob to accuse his father of abusive coaching practices.

The astonishing revelation stunned the sports world and added a complex layer to their already intense relationship.

But while Gjert’s role has been highly publicized—both for his brilliance and flaws—there’s another figure in Jakob’s story whose impact cannot be overlooked: his mother, Tone Eva. She may have stayed out of the limelight, but her quiet, unwavering support has been the steady force behind her son’s rise.

So, let’s turn the spotlight to the woman who stood by Jakob through the highs and lows—the mother whose presence has been just as vital as any medal or championship title.

Who is Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s mother?

“I dedicate my life to the children, and I have put myself aside, which is not difficult,” Tone Eva Ingebrigtsen told the Norwegian website Tara in 2018. With those words, she perfectly captured the selflessness and devotion that defined her role as a mother. But how did she manage to raise seven children in a modest Norwegian household—all while juggling her career as a working mom? The answer came in her own words.

“When you have seven children, you have decided that, and I live and breathe for the ones we have been lucky enough to have. Seven children is a lifestyle, and then you can’t just go or do whatever you want,” Eva explained.

Her life became a continuous cycle of nurturing, supporting, and sacrificing. And though she remained largely behind the scenes, her influence was ever-present, serving as the emotional backbone of the Ingebrigtsen family.

Despite the demands of raising a large family, Tone Eva never gave up her professional life. According to her Facebook profile, she is now the owner of Line Frisør Lurabyen and also works at Tango InLine Frisør Stadionparken, balancing her career in hairstyling with her role as the family matriarch. Yet, her story doesn’t stop there.

She has also made a few on-screen appearances. Fans of Team Ingebrigtsen will recognize her from the family’s reality web series, where she often appeared as the calm and steady presence amid the chaos of elite athletics. Additionally, she featured in the festive film Bo Bear Celebrates Christmas (2020) and the talk show Lindmo (2012), offering the public rare glimpses into her life.

As we delve deeper into Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s story, it’s worth turning our attention to his roots. His parents—Gjert and Tone Eva—may have raised their family in Sandnes, Norway, but what about their nationality? Let’s explore the heritage behind the athletes who have become a force on the world stage.

What is Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s parents’ nationality?

Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s remarkable journey on the track wouldn’t have been possible without the foundation laid by his parents, Gjert and Tone Eva Ingebrigtsen—a couple whose bond has only strengthened over time. Their story begins in Norway but from two very different corners of the country.

Gjert hails from the rugged, windswept town of Båtsfjord, located in the far northeastern part of Norway. Known for its remote fishing communities and icy Arctic winds, it’s a place where resilience is practically a birthright—a quality Gjert would later pass on to his children through his relentless coaching style.

On the other hand, Tone Eva comes from Stavanger, a coastal city in southwestern Norway. With its scenic fjords, bustling oil industry, and milder climate, Stavanger remains a stark contrast to Båtsfjord’s harsh conditions. Yet, despite their different upbringings, fate brought them together as teenagers.

From two distant Norwegian towns, Gjert and Tone Eva’s paths converged — leading not only to a lifelong partnership but to the creation of a dynasty of champions.