Nobody saw this coming…
Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid shocked viewers on Tuesday night. He won an Olympic bronze medal. Then he used a live television interview to confess to cheating on his girlfriend. The emotional moment unfolded minutes after his race in Italy.
Laegreid competed in the Men’s 20km Individual race at the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. He finished third and earned his first Olympic medal. Cameras turned to him for a routine post-race interview. Instead, fans heard a personal confession.
Speaking to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the 28-year-old opened his heart. “There’s someone I wanted to share this with who might not be watching today,” he said. He paused and fought back tears. Then he continued with a stunning admission.
“Six months ago, I met the love of my life and the most beautiful and kindest person in the world,” Laegreid said. “And three months ago I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her.” His voice cracked as he spoke.
Laegreid’s Emotional Interview Overshadows Medal Moment
The interview quickly turned into an unexpected public apology. Laegreid called the recent days the hardest period of his life. “I had a gold medal in my life,” he said. “I only have eyes for her.”
He admitted he did not know what he hoped to achieve by confessing. “Sports have been in a different line in recent days,” he said. “So I wish I could share it with her.”
The athlete said he wanted to act as a good role model. He also accepted full responsibility for his actions. “You have to admit when you do something you can’t stand for, and hurt someone you love so much,” he said.
The dramatic confession came right after a tense and exciting race. Laegreid hit 19 of 20 shots on the shooting range. His strong performance secured the bronze medal.
Norway teammate Johan-Olav Botn won the gold medal in the event. France’s Eric Perrot claimed silver. Botn delivered an emotional win for Norway after the recent death of teammate Sivert Guttorm Bakken.
Laegreid celebrated on the podium with a smile. Yet his TV appearance revealed a very different side of the day. The medal brought joy, but the interview brought tears.
The Norwegian star now faces public attention for reasons far beyond sports. His bronze medal put him in the Olympic limelight, and his confession put his private life there, too.
