The Norwegian biathlete made the tearful admission while speaking to the press
Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid won the bronze medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, but he admitted to fumbling a gold medal woman during an emotional interview after his victory.
The 28-year-old athlete came in third place in the men’s 20km biathlon on Tuesday, Feb. 10, finishing behind fellow Norwegian Johan-Olav Botn and France’s Eric Perrot.
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Sturla Holm Laegreid.Hendrik Schmidt/picture alliance via Getty
However, a moment of triumph for Lægreid became mournful when the athlete tearfully admitted to cheating on a romantic partner during a live televised interview.
“There is someone I wanted to share this with who might not be watching today,” he told NRK, according to a translation provided by E! News, adding that he “met the love of [his] life” six months prior.
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Sturla Holm Laegreid is embraced by Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold of Team Norway after the medal ceremony.Harry How/Getty
While he didn’t name the woman, he described her as “the most beautiful and kindest person in the world.”
“Three months ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life and was unfaithful,” he admitted, saying that he came out about his infidelity “about a week ago.”
Despite his big win and a chance to represent Norway in the Olympics, Lægreid said he’s been having “the worst week of my life.”
“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,” he explained. “Sport has come second these last few days. Yes, I wish I could share this with her.”
As for why he decided to speak up about the affair, the Olympian explained that he felt pressure to do so after medaling.
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Sturla Holm Laegreid at the 2026 Winter Olympics.Kevin Voigt/Getty
“I try to be a good role model, and I did something stupid,” he said. “You have to admit when you do something you can’t stand for and hurt someone you love so much.”
According to his bio on the Winter Olympics website, Lægreid will compete again on Feb. 20 in the men’s 15km mass start. He previously won a gold medal competing as a member of the relay team at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
