Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid “deeply regrets” bringing his affair to light on live TV earlier this week.
After winning the bronze medal in Tuesday’s men’s 20km biathlon, Laegreid got emotional in an interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, admitting to cheating on his now ex-girlfriend.
The infidelity isn’t the only thing he wishes he could take back.
“I deeply regret that I brought up this personal story on what was a day of celebration for Norwegian biathlon. I am not quite myself today, and I am not thinking clearly. My apologies go to Johan-Olav, who deserved all the attention after the gold,” Laegreid, 28, said in a statement.
“It also goes to my ex-girlfriend, who involuntarily ended up in the media spotlight, I hope she is doing well. I cannot change this but I will now put this behind me and focus on the Olympics. I will not answer any further questions about this.”
In that post-race interview, Laegreid described the “worst week of [his] life” instead of celebrating his third-place finish.
“Six months ago, I met the love of my life and the most beautiful and kindest person in the world,” he said. “Three months ago, I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her.”
Later, Laegreid admitted he came clean to his former lover a week earlier, adding that he hadn’t “got any reactions from” her since going public with the news.
“I am happy because maybe she has not seen it and maybe she will see it at the right time,” Laegreid said. “I hope I don’t make it worse for her. Maybe it can help. I don’t know. We will see.
“I hope there’s light at the end of the tunnel for both of us and that she can still love me,” he added.
Laegreid’s anonymous ex ripped the skier on Wednesday, telling the Norwegian tabloid VG, “It’s hard to forgive. Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world.”
She especially didn’t appreciate having her private life made public.
“I did not choose to be put in this position, and it hurts to have to be in it,” she said. “We have had contact, and he is aware of my opinions on this.
“To my family and friends who have embraced me and supported me during this time, also to everyone else who has thought of me and sympathised, without knowing who I am.”
