Shock Confession After Historic Race
Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid stunned the Winter Olympics audience with an emotional confession after winning a bronze medal. The 28-year-old made the revelation during a post-race interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK. He admitted he had cheated on his girlfriend just three months earlier.
Laegreid said the Olympic success forced him to confront the truth. He revealed that he met his girlfriend six months ago and fell deeply in love. But he admitted he betrayed her trust three months later. He said he told her about the affair one week ago.
He fought back tears while describing the past week as the worst of his life. He said he could not carry the secret any longer.
“I realised I can’t go through life hiding it,” he told Norwegian newspaper VG. “The only thing I could do was tell everything and hope she could still love me.”
His confession came shortly after he finished third in the race. His teammate Johan-Olav Botn won gold, while France’s Eric Perrot took silver.
‘I Had a Gold Medal in My Life’: Love Over Sport
Laegreid compared his relationship to an Olympic title, calling it a “gold medal” in his life. He said that people may now view him differently. Yet, he stressed that he still only has eyes for his girlfriend.
He said sport has taken a different place in his life over the past days.
The biathlete admitted that his public confession may have overshadowed Botn’s victory. He questioned whether the timing was appropriate.
“Maybe it was selfish of me,” he said. “I’m not really here mentally.”
Laegreid also revealed that he was emotionally shaken after the death of teammate Sivert Guttorm Bakken in December. The loss, he said, added to his emotional burden.
The confession dominated social media and news outlets in Norway. Many praised his honesty, while others questioned the timing and public nature of the revelation.
Apology, Remorse, and Consequences
Laegreid repeatedly expressed deep regret. He said he is ready to accept the consequences of his actions.
“I regret it with all my heart,” he told VG. “I’m taking the consequences for what I’ve done, but I’m not ready to give up.”
NRK biathlon analyst Johannes Thingnes Boe described the confession as shocking. He said it came “completely out of the blue.”
Boe added that Laegreid’s emotions are always intense and close to the surface. He said the confession simply burst out at the wrong moment.
The emotional revelation has now become one of the most talked-about moments of the Winter Olympics. Laegreid’s bravery and honesty continue to divide public opinion.
