A Norwegian biathlete used his post-race television interview to publicly apologize for infidelity after winning bronze at the Winter Olympics in Italy, telling viewers he had “a gold medal in my life” before making his “biggest mistake.”
Sturla Holm Lægreid, 28, secured third place in the Men’s 20km Individual race at the Antholz-Anterselva Biathlon Arena on Tuesday, hitting 19 of 20 shots during the competition to finish 48.3 seconds behind gold medalist Johan-Olav Botn.
However, the medal ceremony was overshadowed when Lægreid broke down during an interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, confessing he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend three months into their six-month relationship.
The athlete told viewers there was someone he wanted to share his achievement with who might not be watching. He described meeting “the love of my life and the most beautiful and kindest person in the world” six months ago before admitting his infidelity three months later.
Crying on camera, Lægreid stated it had been “the worst week of my life” and declared he only had eyes for his girlfriend. The biathlete acknowledged wanting to be a good role model but said he had to admit when he made mistakes, adding: “You have to admit when you do something you can’t stand for, and hurt someone you love so much.”
The confession prompted immediate reaction on social media, with viewers divided over the public display. One X user commented they saluted the athlete for his Hollywood-style attempt to win back his love, whilst others mocked the approach as ineffective in real life despite working in films.
The bronze medal represented Lægreid’s first individual Olympic podium finish. The race saw competitors ski five four-kilometre laps with four shooting stops alternating between prone and standing positions, with each missed shot adding a one-minute penalty to their overall time.
Compatriot Botn claimed an emotionally charged gold medal victory, exclaiming “Yes Sivert, we did it!” after crossing the line in tribute to teammate Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who died in December. The Norwegian team had been reeling from the loss and missed the podium in Sunday’s mixed relay.
France’s Eric Perrot secured silver despite his electric skiing, finishing 14.8 seconds behind Botn after a costly miss during the first standing shoot caused him to fade on the final lap. Finland’s Olli Hiidensalo finished fourth in the experienced field.
Botn’s controlled performance saw him hit all 20 shots across his four range stops before a powerful final lap allowed him to eclipse Perrot in the standings. The victory provided redemption for a Norwegian squad still grieving their teammate’s death.
Lægreid’s tearful admission during what should have been a celebratory moment highlighted the personal struggles athletes face even during their greatest professional achievements. The biathlete’s decision to address his private life publicly during Olympic coverage generated significant discussion about appropriate forums for personal confessions.
The Norwegian team continues competition at the Winter Olympics with additional biathlon events scheduled in coming days.
