Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid confessed on live television to cheating on his girlfriend moments after winning bronze in the Winter Olympics. The 28-year-old, who won his first individual Olympic medal in the 20km individual biathlon at Milan-Cortina, admitted he had an affair three months ago and called it 'my biggest mistake'. Laegreid said it had been 'the worst week of my life' since he told his girlfriend of six months about the affair.
There's someone I wanted to share it with who might not be watching, he told NRK, Norway's state broadcaster. Six months ago I met the love of my life - the most beautiful and kindest person in the world. Three months ago I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her.
I had the gold medal in life, and I am sure there are many people who will see things differently, but I only have eyes for her. Sport has come second these last few days. Yes, I wish I could share this with her.
Laegreid later told a Norwegian newspaper: My only way to solve it is to tell everything and put everything on the table, and hope that she can still love me. I've done that for her, and now for the whole world. I have nothing to lose.
The seven-time world champion finished third in the biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, behind champion Johan-Olav Botn, a fellow Norwegian, and Eric Perrot of France. This is Laegreid's second Olympic medal, having previously secured gold in the relay at the 2022 Games.
His confession raised eyebrows, with fellow biathlete Johannes Thingnes Boe commenting on the poor timing. Despite the tumultuous circumstances, Laegreid's emotional honesty captures the complexities of celebrating success amid personal strife.
There's someone I wanted to share it with who might not be watching, he told NRK, Norway's state broadcaster. Six months ago I met the love of my life - the most beautiful and kindest person in the world. Three months ago I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her.
I had the gold medal in life, and I am sure there are many people who will see things differently, but I only have eyes for her. Sport has come second these last few days. Yes, I wish I could share this with her.
Laegreid later told a Norwegian newspaper: My only way to solve it is to tell everything and put everything on the table, and hope that she can still love me. I've done that for her, and now for the whole world. I have nothing to lose.
The seven-time world champion finished third in the biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, behind champion Johan-Olav Botn, a fellow Norwegian, and Eric Perrot of France. This is Laegreid's second Olympic medal, having previously secured gold in the relay at the 2022 Games.
His confession raised eyebrows, with fellow biathlete Johannes Thingnes Boe commenting on the poor timing. Despite the tumultuous circumstances, Laegreid's emotional honesty captures the complexities of celebrating success amid personal strife.
