Winter Olympian’s girlfriend speaks out after he used medal interview to confess cheating

Read more:

In one of the most jaw-dropping moments of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid turned what should have been a triumphant celebration into a raw, emotional confession of infidelity – live on television, just minutes after securing a bronze medal.

The 28-year-old athlete, a standout in the men’s 20km individual biathlon event held in Anterselva on Tuesday, February 10, crossed the finish line in third place behind the leaders. But instead of focusing solely on his achievement amid grueling conditions, Lægreid used his post-race interview with Norway’s NRK broadcaster to reveal he had cheated on his girlfriend three months earlier.

Fighting back tears, Lægreid described meeting “the love of my life – the most beautiful and kindest person in the world” six months ago. “Three months ago I made the biggest mistake of my life and cheated on her,” he said. He added that he had confessed the infidelity to her a week prior, calling the intervening days “the worst week of my life.”

“I had a gold medal in life,” he continued, referring to his relationship, “and there’s probably a lot of people out there who look at me differently now, but I only have eyes for her.”

The confession quickly went viral, sparking widespread debate across social media and sports outlets. Many viewers questioned the timing – why air such a private matter during what was meant to be a career highlight? Others saw it as a bold, if misguided, attempt at redemption.

Lægreid later explained to reporters that he hoped the public declaration might sway his partner. “Maybe there’s a chance that she will see what she really means to me,” he said, acknowledging the move might amount to “social suicide.”

But the response from his now-ex-girlfriend, who has chosen to remain anonymous, suggests the strategy backfired.

In an interview published Wednesday, February 11, by Norwegian tabloid VG, the woman addressed the fallout directly. “It’s hard to forgive,” she stated. “Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world.”

She emphasized her lack of agency in the situation. “I did not choose to be put in this position, and it hurts to have to be in it,” she said. “We have had contact and he is aware of my opinions on this.”

Her comments indicate the relationship has ended, with no immediate signs of reconciliation. Sources close to the matter told outlets that the pair had already split prior to the Games, though Lægreid’s public plea appeared aimed at reversing that outcome.

The incident has divided public opinion. On platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), some users criticized Lægreid for turning a personal failing into a spectacle, especially during an Olympics already marked by intense scrutiny. One commenter called it “a pity party for his own infidelity.” Others defended his honesty, arguing that owning up publicly showed genuine remorse.

Lægreid himself has since expressed regret over the delivery. Speaking to reporters after the initial wave of coverage, he admitted he “was not thinking clearly” in the heat of the moment and “deeply regrets” making the confession so publicly. He described the bronze medal as bittersweet, overshadowed by guilt and the loss of his relationship.

The biathlete, a veteran of multiple World Cups and a strong contender for Norway’s powerhouse team, has otherwise enjoyed a solid career. His bronze in the 20km individual – a demanding event combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting – added to Norway’s medal haul in a sport where the Scandinavian nation has long dominated.

Yet the personal drama has eclipsed the athletic accomplishment for many observers. Biathlon teammate Johannes Dale-Skjevdal reportedly knew about the infidelity beforehand, adding another layer to the story’s circulation within the Norwegian camp.

Media coverage has been swift and widespread. Outlets from NBC News and ESPN to Fox News and the New York Post highlighted the unusual intersection of triumph and turmoil. People magazine detailed Lægreid’s hope that the confession could “win her back,” while The Hollywood Reporter noted the ex-girlfriend’s pain at being thrust into the global spotlight without warning.

The episode raises broader questions about the pressures athletes face off the field. The Olympics often amplify personal lives, but few moments have blended victory and vulnerability quite like this. Lægreid’s tearful admission – delivered under bright lights and live cameras – has become a cautionary tale about mixing private regrets with public glory.

As the Milan Cortina Games continue, attention has shifted back to competition, but the story lingers. Lægreid remains in contention for additional events, including relays where Norway typically excels. Whether the controversy affects his focus or team dynamics is unclear.

For his ex-girlfriend, the ordeal appears far from over. Her measured statement underscores the collateral damage of high-profile confessions: privacy lost, pain amplified, and forgiveness far from guaranteed.

In the end, what began as a medal-winning performance ended with a reminder that even Olympic heroes grapple with human failings – and sometimes, the hardest battles happen far from the course.