A Norwegian biathlete has given one of the most extraordinary medal-winning interviews in Olympics history by tearfully revealing that he had cheated on his girlfriend.
Sturla Holm Laegreid, who took the bronze medal in Tuesday’s 20km individual race, made the admission during an emotional interview, which he hopes will makehis girlfriend realise how much he loves her.
“There’s someone I wanted to share this with who might not be watching today,” he told Norwegian broadcaster NRK. “Six months ago, I met the love of my life and the most beautiful and kindest person in the world. And three months ago I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her.”
The 28-year-old then explained that it had been “the worst week” of his life after he told his girlfriend that he had been unfaithful shortly before the Olympics. It is unclear whether Laegreid has been forgiven or indeed whether she was then expecting him to share their relationship challenges to the wider world.
“I had a gold medal in my life ... I only have eyes for her,” said Laegreid. “I don’t know what I want to achieve by saying this, but sports have been in a different line in recent days. So I wish I could share it with her.
“You have to admit when you do something you can’t stand for, and hurt someone you love so much. I want to be a good role model but I have to admit when I get something wrong.”
Bronze medalist Sturla Holm Laegreid of Team Norway on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's 20km Individual at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Anterselva Biathlon Arena. Photo / Getty Images
Laegreid, who was sobbing on camera during his confessional, added: “You never know how many chances you get, and I don’t think I’ll get another chance at true love like I had with her. But I’m willing to do anything.
“I am willing to drop a nuclear bomb on NRK [Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation] and commit social suicide and be hated by everyone. Because I am already hated by her, and I hope that maybe it can make her realise how much I love her.”
Laegreid, who won gold in the relay in Beijing four years ago, is also a previous seven-times world champion. He would not reveal the identity of his girlfriend.
“I do not want to say who it is,” he later said. “She has had enough to deal with after last week but I hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel for us both. And that she can continue to love me.”
Laegreid’s Norway teammate Johan-Olav Botn won gold ahead of France’s Éric Perrot in silver. Botn pointed to the sky as he crossed the line in memory of team-mate Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who died in December.
He said: “At the last shooting, my thoughts and feelings went toward my good friend Sivert Bakken who tragically died this Christmas. It was quite an emotional last loop for me. I felt like I was racing with him. I hope he was watching and hope he was proud of what I was doing.”
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