Norwegian Winter Olympics Athlete Opens Up About Cheating in Emotional TV Interview
The Winter Olympics subplot surrounding Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid has taken a poignant turn, seemingly steering away from a triumphant conclusion.
On Tuesday, Lægreid captured public attention when he shared an emotional interview with local network NRK following his bronze medal win.
In a heartfelt moment, Lægreid revealed that his participation in the Milan-Cortina games came after what he described as “the hardest week of my life,” a reference to his recent admission of infidelity to his ex-girlfriend.
“Half a year ago, I met the love of my life. The world’s most beautiful and nicest person,” he shared during the interview. “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.”
Put this in the post-race interview hall of fame.
Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid throws a Hail Mary and asks for his girlfriend, whom he was unfaithful to, to take him back after winning Olympic bronze in the men’s 20km interval start. https://t.co/XjsJtVDplF
— Marley Dickinson (@marleydickinson) February 10, 2026
In response to Lægreid’s emotional admission, his ex-girlfriend shared her thoughts anonymously in a Norwegian newspaper. In a statement to the tabloid VG, she said, “It is hard to forgive, even after such a public declaration of love in front of the whole world. I have not asked to be put in this position and it is hard to be there. We have had contact and he knows my feelings about this.”
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Following his interview, Lægreid expressed regret over his emotionally charged remarks in a statement to NRK. “I deeply regret bringing up this personal story on what was a day of celebration for Norwegian biathlon,” he acknowledged.
“I am not quite myself these days, and I am not thinking clearly. My apologies go to Johan-Olav, who deserved all the attention after winning gold. My apologies also go to my ex-girlfriend, who unwillingly ended up in the media spotlight. I hope she is doing well.”
Lægreid has emerged as a leading figure in biathlon, having won a gold medal in the four-man relay at the Beijing Olympics in 2022, in addition to his recent bronze in the individual 20 km event at Milan-Cortina.
