Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid acknowledged on live TV that he cheated on his girlfriend just moments after claiming bronze at the Winter Olympics.
The 28-year-old, who secured his first individual Olympic medal in the 20km individual biathlon at Milan-Cortina, revealed he had been unfaithful three months ago, labeling it “my greatest error”.
Laegreid expressed that it had been “the most difficult week of my life” since he informed his girlfriend of six months about the infidelity.
“There’s someone I wanted to communicate this with who may not be watching,” he told NRK, Norway’s state broadcaster.
“Half a year ago, I met the love of my life – the most beautiful and kind person in the world. Three months ago, I made my greatest error and betrayed her.
“I possessed the gold medal in life, and I am certain numerous individuals will have a different perspective, but I only have eyes for her.
“In the past few days, sport has taken a back seat. Yes, I wish I could share this moment with her.”
He later mentioned to Norwegian newspaper VG: “My only path to resolution is to disclose everything, put all the cards on the table, and hope she can still have feelings for me.
“I’ve done it for her, and now for the entire world. I have nothing to lose.
“I strive to be a good role model, but I must admit when I err.”
The seven-time world champion placed third in the biathlon – which merges cross-country skiing with rifle shooting – finishing behind champion Johan-Olav Botn, a compatriot, and Eric Perrot from France.
This marks Laegreid’s second Olympic medal, having secured gold in the relay at the 2022 Games.
When asked about his confession in the subsequent news conference, he remarked: “Certainly, I hope I didn’t spoil Johan’s day.
“I’m unsure if it was the right decision or not, but it was the choice I made.
“I opted to reveal my actions to the world so perhaps there’s a chance she will see what she truly means to me – maybe not, but I refuse to think I didn’t do everything possible to win her back.
“I don’t wish to overshadow the event. I hope this is merely a one- or two-day affair. After that, you remain an Olympic gold medallist forever.”
Five-time Olympic champion Johannes Thingnes Boe, currently a biathlon analyst with NRK, questioned the timing of Laegreid’s revelation.
“It came as an utter shock. His act was inappropriate – we witnessed a remorseful young man standing there. Regrettably, the moment, setting, and timing are all wrong,” stated Boe, a former teammate of Laegreid.
Botn shouted the name of late teammate Sivert Guttorm Bakken as he crossed the finish line for gold.
Bakken was found deceased on 23 December in a hotel room in northern Italy, around two hours from the biathlon venue.
“I was racing with him during the entire final loop. And, yes, it felt like crossing the finish line together, and seeing the number one beside my name was incredibly special,” an emotional Botn shared.
Laegreid added: “We were five competitors at the start line, and one watched from above. This was truly for Sivert.”
Winter Olympics 2026
6-22 February
Milan-Cortina
Tune in to two live streams and highlights on BBC iPlayer (UK only), updates on BBC Radio 5 Live, and live text commentary alongside video highlights available on the BBC Sport website and app.
