Norwegian Olympian Sturla Holm Lægreid apologized after he admitted to cheating on his ex-girlfriend on live TV at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The athlete confessed that he “deeply regrets” overshadowing his bronze medal and his teammate Johan-Olva Botn’s gold medal finish “on what was a festive day for Norwegian biathlon.”
“I am not quite myself today, and I am not thinking clearly,” he said in a statement to People on Wednesday. “My apologies go to Johan-Olav, who deserved all the attention after the gold.”
“It also goes to my ex-girlfriend, who involuntarily ended up in the media spotlight,” Lægreid, 28, continued. “I hope she is doing well.”
The biathlete, who competes in rifle shooting and cross-country skiing, explained he “cannot change” his actions, but “will now put this behind [him] and focus on the Olympics.”
“I will not answer any further questions about this,” he concluded.
Lægreid spoke out after he candidly revealed that he cheated on his ex-lover three months into their relationship after the men’s 20km biathlon on Tuesday.
The bronze medalist, who dated his ex for six months, stated it was “the biggest mistake of [his] life,” and that he couldn’t enjoy his win because she wasn’t there.
“I had the gold medal in life, and I am sure there are many people who will see things differently, but I only have eyes for her,” he said. “Sport has come second these last few days. Yes, I wish I could share this with her.”
“I try to be a good role model, and I did something stupid,” Lægreid continued. “You have to admit when you do something you can’t stand for and hurt someone you love so much.”
Lægreid hoped his confession would give him “a chance” for his ex to “see what she really means to [him].”
The ex-sweetheart, who wished to remain anonymous, addressed the Olympian’s statement in an interview with VG, a Norwegian outlet.
She said it was “hard to forgive [Lægreid] even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world.”
“I did not choose to be put in this position, and it hurts to have to be in it. We have had contact and he is aware of my opinions on this,” the woman said.
“[I am grateful] to my family and friends who have embraced me and supported me during this time. Also to everyone else who has thought of me and sympathized, without knowing who I am.”
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