Listen… winning bronze at the Olympics is a flex. But for Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid, that shiny medal wasn’t the heaviest thing on his chest this week. It was guilt.
The 27-year-old Olympian secured his first individual Olympic medal on Tuesday, a moment most athletes dream about their whole lives. But instead of popping bottles and soaking in the applause, Laegreid was wiping tears and hugging friends like a man who knew he fumbled something way bigger than a race.
And according to him, he did. In an emotional interview with NRK in Norway, Laegreid got real, not about splits or strategy, but about cheating on the woman he calls the love of his life.
“There’s someone I wanted to share it with who might not be watching today. Six months ago, I met the love of my life — the most beautiful and kindest person in the world. Three months ago, I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her,” Laegreid said.
Whew. He didn’t stop there either.
“I told her about it a week ago. It’s been the worst week of my life.”
Now let’s pause. Six months in. Cheated at month three. Told her at month five. And now we’re crying at the Olympics. The math is mathing… but the timing? That’s another conversation.
Laegreid referred to her as his “gold medal in my life” — which hits a little different considering he was actually part of the relay team that won gold at the Beijing Olympics. So yes, he’s got medals. But apparently, sis was the real prize.
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Instead of basking in his victory on Tuesday, cameras caught him visibly distraught. This wasn’t your typical “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude” cry. This was heartbreak, regret, and “I might’ve messed up for real” energy.
At a news conference later, he explained why he chose to put his business on front street during an Olympic broadcast.
“It was the choice I made. We make different choices during our life and that’s how we make life,” he told reporters. “So today I made a choice to tell the world what I did, so maybe, maybe there is a chance she will see what she really means to me. Maybe not.”
That “maybe not” carried weight.
He continued: “There are probably many who look at me with different eyes, but I only have eyes for her. Sport has taken a slightly different place in my life the last few days. Yes, I wish I could share it with her.”
Okay… that’s vulnerable. We’ll give him that. But here’s where the story really shifts.
In a statement shared anonymously with Norwegian newspaper VG, his girlfriend made it clear that a public apology, even one delivered on the Olympic stage, doesn’t magically glue a broken heart back together.
“Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world, it’s hard to forgive,” she shared. “I did not choose to be put in this position, and it hurts to have to be”
That right there? That’s pain talking.
She also revealed they’ve had contact since his televised confession, adding the pointed line that “he is aware of my opinions on this.”
Translation: Don’t let the tears fool you. There are conversations happening behind closed doors.