Olympian admits cheating in post-win interview, says he’s risking ‘social suicide’ to win her back

Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid stunned viewers during a post-race television interview after openly admitting he had cheated on his girlfriend, just moments after securing a bronze medal at the Winter Olympics.Laegreid, 28, finished third in the biathlon, a gruelling event that combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting. While medals are typically followed by celebration, his appearance on Norwegian state broadcaster NRK quickly took an unexpected turn as he broke down in tears on live television.Instead of focusing on the race, Laegreid told viewers that the medal meant little compared to what he had lost in his personal life.

He said he believed he already “had a gold medal” until recently, but threw it away through infidelity.Speaking in his native language, he began by addressing someone who was not watching. "There's someone I wanted to share it with who might not be watching today. 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 told her about it a week ago.

It's ‌been the worst week of my life."Laegreid did not name the woman but made it clear that his emotions, not the medal, were consuming him. He described how the last few days had shifted his priorities entirely."I had a gold medal in my life, and there are probably many who look at me with different eyes, but I only have eyes for her. Sport has taken a slightly different place [in my life] the last few days. I wish I could share it with her."

He then explained why he chose to make the confession publicly, despite knowing the backlash it could bring. According to Laegreid, the interview itself was a deliberate act."I told her a week ago, and then it ended, of course. I'm not ready to give up. I hope that committing social suicide might show how much I love her. I'm taking the consequences for what I've done. I regret it with all my heart."He briefly turned inward, criticizing his own judgment and behavior."Maybe I'm just stupid. I'm a member of the sorority, but I do stupid things".Laegreid concluded by saying that keeping the betrayal secret was no longer an option, either privately or publicly. He framed the interview as his final attempt to be fully honest."And then I realized that this is the woman in my life, and I can't live my whole life keeping it a secret from her. My only way to the goal 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, says the bronze medalist."