Sturla Holm Laegreid: Milan Cortina Winter Olympics Norwegian bronze medallist’s shock confession
Norwegian biathlon star Sturla Holm Laegreid’s bronze medal performance at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics was overshadowed by an emotional live-stream cheating confession that quickly attracted international attention.
The 28-year-old finished third in the men’s 20 kilometer biathlon on Tuesday, but the sporting result took a backseat when Laegreid broke down during a live interview with the Norwegian broadcaster. NRKreveals the details of a personal crisis regarding identity.
“There’s something I want to share with someone who hasn’t watched today,” Laegreid said.
“Six years ago I met the love of my life: the most beautiful and nicest person in the world.
“Three months ago I made the mistake of my life and cheated on him and I told him about it a week ago. It was the worst week of my life.”
“I won the gold medal in life and I’m sure there are a lot of people who see things differently, but I only have my eye on it. Sports have been taking a backseat for the last few days. Yes, I wish I could share that with him.”
Laegreid did not name his former partner, but his words diverted attention from the competition to his personal life and overshadowed what would otherwise have been a podium finish at one of winter sports’ biggest events.
Norwegian Johan-Olav Botn won the gold medal in the race, while Frenchman Eric Perrot received the silver medal.
Continuing his reflections after the incident, Laegreid acknowledged the impact of his actions and his desire to take responsibility.
“I’m trying to be a good role model and I did something stupid,” he said. “I got a nice video from my home club and used it as motivation today.
“Like I said, I want to be a good role model, but I have to admit when I get something wrong.
“When you do something you cannot accept and it hurts someone you love very much, you have to accept it.”
In comments later reported by Norwegian outlet VG, Laegreid said he was not ready to walk away from the relationship despite the negative consequences.
“I hope social suicide can show him how much I love him,” he said.
“I suffer the consequences of my actions. I regret it with all my heart.”
He later questioned whether the public nature of his confessions was appropriate.
“I hope I didn’t ruin Johan’s day. Maybe it was really selfish of me to give that interview. I’m not here mentally,” he said.
Laegreid remains one of biathlon’s most successful athletes, with multiple world titles, a World Cup victory and an Olympic relay gold medal among her achievements.
Biathlon combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting, requiring both endurance and precision, qualities that Laegreid consistently demonstrates at the highest level of this sport.
