Secured Bronze, Yet At What Price? Medal-winning Olympian Confesses To Betraying Girlfriend During Live Broadcast
Sturla Holm Laegreid earned an Olympic bronze in Milano Cortina but admitted live on air to being unfaithful to his girlfriend.
Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid stood on the podium in Milano Cortina wearing an Olympic bronze medal — but celebrating was far from his thoughts.
Shortly after placing third in the men’s 20km individual event on Tuesday, the seven-time world champion shocked audiences by admitting live on Norwegian television NRK that he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend.
An Olympic Medal Wasn’t Enough?
“Half a year ago I encountered the love of my life.” The most beautiful, kindest person in the world. “Three months ago, I made the biggest error of my life and betrayed her trust,” Laegreid stated, struggling to hold back tears.
He disclosed that he had informed her of the truth only a week prior, characterizing it as “the worst week of my life.”
“I possessed the gold medal in life,” he stated. “I’m certain numerous individuals will perceive things differently, yet I solely have eyes for her.” In recent days, sports have taken a backseat. “I wish I were able to share this with her.”
On the snow, Laegreid hit one target and concluded 48.3 seconds behind teammate Johan-Olav Botn, who shot perfectly to secure gold in his Olympic debut. France’s Eric Perrot, who leads the overall World Cup standings, secured the silver medal despite one miss.
This was Laegreid’s initial individual Olympic medal, complementing the relay gold he secured in Beijing in 2022. However, rather than rejoicing, he sobbed, embracing friends and teammates.
During a subsequent press conference, he clarified his reasons for speaking out.
“It was the decision I took,” he stated. “Today I decided to share with the world what I have done, hoping there is a possibility she will understand her true significance to me.” Perhaps not.
He confessed he was afraid of overshadowing Botn’s success. “I really hope I didn’t spoil Johan’s day.” Perhaps it was truly self-centered of me to conduct that interview. “I’m not truly present, mentally.”
He told Norwegian newspaper VG, “My only solution is to disclose everything and lay it all out, hoping that she can still love me.” I have nothing to risk. “I aspire to be a positive role model, but I must acknowledge when I err.”
