In brief
Following his bronze medal win at the Winter Olympics, Sturla Holm Laegreid confessed live on air to having cheated on his girlfriend, referring to it as his greatest mistake. His heartfelt admission came at a time when he was overwhelmed with emotion after achieving personal success in the biathlon event. Laegreid's openness has sparked discussions about accountability and personal integrity within the realm of sports.
Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid confessed on live television to cheating on his girlfriend moments after winning bronze in the Winter Olympics.
The 28-year-old, who won his first individual Olympic medal in the 20km individual biathlon at Milan-Cortina, admitted he had an affair three months ago and called it my biggest mistake.
Laegreid said it had been the worst week of my life since he told his girlfriend of six months about the affair.
There's someone I wanted to share it with who might not be watching, he told NRK, Norway's state broadcaster.
Six months ago I met the love of my life - the most beautiful and kindest person in the world. Three months ago I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her.
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.
He later told Norwegian newspaper VG: My only way to solve it is to tell everything and put everything on the table, and hope that she can still love me.
I've done that for her, and now for the whole world. I have nothing to lose.
I want to be a good role model, but I have to admit when I make mistakes.
The seven-time world champion finished third in the biathlon - which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting - behind champion Johan-Olav Botn, a fellow Norwegian, and Eric Perrot of France.
Laegreid's heartfelt admission has drawn mixed reactions, including from five-time Olympic champion Johannes Thingnes Boe, who noted the unexpected timing.
It came as a complete surprise. His action was wrong - we saw a repentant lad standing there. Unfortunately, the time, place and timing are all wrong, Boe commented.
Despite the controversy, Laegreid remains focused on rectifying his relationship, stating, I made the choice to tell the world what I did so maybe there's 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.
