Norway’s Sturla Holm Lægreid’s bronze finish in the men’s 20km biathlon Tuesday was overshadowed by his tearful infidelity confession at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
During an interview with Norwegian network NRK, Lægreid broke down as he explained that “this has been the worst week of my life” after he told his ex-girlfriend that he cheated on her.
“There is something I want to share with someone who may not be watching today,” Lægreid, 28, said. “Half a year ago, I met the love of my life. The world’s most beautiful and nicest person.
“Three months ago I made the mistake of my life and cheated on her, and I told her about that a week ago. This has been the worst week of my life.
“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.”
Lægreid, who is considered one of the best biathletes in the world, did not name his ex.
Fellow Norwegian Johan-Olav Botn won gold with Frenchman Éric Perrot taking the silver.
“I try to be a good role model and I did something stupid,” he said. “I got a nice video from the club at home and I used that as motivation today.
“As I said I want to be a good role model but I have to admit when I get something wrong. You have to admit when you do something you can’t stand for and hurt someone you love so much.”
Laegreid told Norwegian outlet VG he was not ready to “give up” on the relationship following his infidelity, according to AOL.
“I hope that committing social suicide might show how much I love her,” he said. “I’m taking the consequences for what I’ve done. I regret it with all my heart.”
Biathlon is a winter discipline that includes two events: rifle shooting and cross-country skiing.
Cross-country skiing races in freestyle technique take place on a track that is covered multiple times, depending on the length of the race.
Lægreid is a six-time Biathlon World Champion, 2024-2025 Biathlon World Cup winner and 2022 Olympic Champion in the relay.