In brief
In a shocking moment following his bronze medal win at the Winter Olympics, Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid confessed on live TV to having an affair three months ago. During an emotional interview, he expressed regret for his actions, calling it 'my biggest mistake.' Laegreid's candid admission has drawn mixed reactions, with fellow athletes questioning the timing of his confession.
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.' Sports, he said, had come second in the following days. 'Yes, I wish I could share this with her.'
Later, he told Norwegian newspaper VG: '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 want to be a good role model, but I have to admit when I make mistakes.'
The seven-time world champion finished third in the biathlon, behind champion Johan-Olav Botn, a fellow Norwegian, and Eric Perrot of France. It is his second Olympic medal after winning gold in the relay at the 2022 Games.
Discussing his confession afterwards, he added: 'Of course, now I hope I didn't ruin Johan's day.' He expressed uncertainty about the timing of his confession but felt compelled to be honest.
Five-time Olympic champion Johannes Thingnes Boe commented on Laegreid's confession, saying: 'It came as a complete surprise. His action was wrong - we saw a repentant lad standing there. Unfortunately, the time, place and timing are all wrong.'
Botn, who won gold, dedicated his win to late teammate Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who passed away in December.
Laegreid stated: 'We were five guys on the start line, and one of them was watching from above. This was for Sivert, really.'
