In brief
Sturla Holm Laegreid, a seven-time world champion, made headlines after winning bronze in the 20km individual biathlon event at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. During his acceptance speech, he emotionally confessed to having an affair three months ago, describing it as 'my biggest mistake'. Laegreid expressed regret and a wish to amend his relationship and hopes to show his girlfriend how much she means to him. Fellow competitors and commentators questioned the timing of the confession during such a pivotal moment.
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.
He later 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've done that for her, and now for the whole world. I have nothing to lose.
Laegreid finished third in the biathlon, behind fellow Norwegian Johan-Olav Botn and Eric Perrot of France. It is his second Olympic medal, having previously won gold in the relay at the 2022 Games. Others in the biathlon community expressed mixed feelings about his public confession, highlighting its unexpected nature and the potential impact on his girlfriend and fellow athletes.
