Norwegian Olympian reveals infidelity after winning medal, will ‘try everything to get her back’

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Sturla Holm Laegreid’s Winter Olympics celebration took a shocking turn on Tuesday. The Norwegian, fresh off winning bronze in the 20km individual biathlon race at Milan Cortina, stunned fans by confessing on live TV that he had cheated on his girlfriend.

“It’s been the worst week of my life,” he admitted, speaking to NRK, a Norwegian broadcaster. “There’s someone I wanted to share it with who might not be watching. 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,” he said. Laegreid did not reveal the identity of his girlfriend.

Laegreid, a seven-time world champion, finished behind Norway’s Johan-Olav Botn, who won gold, and France’s Eric Perrot, who took silver.

This is Laegreid’s second Olympic medal, following the gold he won in the relay at the 2022 Winter Games.

Later, at a news conference, Laegreid addressed his public confession.

“Of course, now I hope I didn’t ruin Johan’s day,” he said. “I don’t know if it was the right choice or not, but it was the choice I made.”

He said he didn’t want to steal the show, adding, “I made the choice to tell the world what I did so maybe there’s a chance she will see what she really means to me — maybe not, but I don’t want to think I didn’t try everything to get her back.”

According to Reuters, Laegreid later spoke to Norwegian newspaper VG, saying, “My only way to solve it is to tell everything and put everything on the table, and hope that she can still love me.”