Olympic Bronze Medalist Confesses to Cheating on His Girlfriend in Live Interview After Victory

Sturla Holm Laegreid, a Norwegian biathlete who took home a bronze medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, admitted to cheating on his girlfriend in an interview immediately following his win.

The 28-year-old, who finished third in the 20-kilometer individual race, opened up about his behavior when he was being interviewed by Norwegian broadcaster NRK at the Milano Cortina Games.

“Six months ago I met the love of my life,” he said, according to the Associated Press. “The world’s most beautiful, sweetest person. And three months ago I made the biggest mistake of my life and cheated on her.”

Laegreid, who was said to be holding back tears, reportedly explained that he told his girlfriend about the affair a week ago.

“I’m sure many people now see me in a different light, but I only have eyes for her,” he said. “I’m not quite sure what I’m trying to say by saying this now, but sport has taken a back seat in recent days. I wish I could share this with her.”

The athlete was later asked about the admission when he and the other medalists spoke to a room full of press following the competition.

“It was the choice I made,” he said of his decision to go public about having an affair. “We make different choices during our life, and that’s how we make life. So today I made a choice to tell the world what I did, so maybe, maybe there is a chance she will see what she really means to me. Maybe not.”

“But I don’t want to think I didn’t try everything to get her back,” he continued, before saying that he didn’t “want to steal the show again today” after the race.

According to the AP, Johan-Olav Botn, also of Norway, took home gold while Eric Perrot of France was awarded silver.

“Now I hope I didn’t ruin Johan’s day,” Laegreid said, per the AP. “Maybe it was really selfish of me to give that interview. I’m not really here, mentally.”