NEED TO KNOW
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On Feb. 10, Olympian Sturla Holm Lægreid went viral at the 2026 Winter Olympics after he publicly admitted to cheating on the «love of [his] life»
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The Norwegian biathlete’s ex-girlfriend then told the media she «did not choose to be put in this position»
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Lægreid has since expressed that he regrets his declaration
Sturla Holm Lægreid has put himself in the spotlight at the 2026 Winter Olympics — and not necessarily for his performance.
The 28-year-old Norwegian biathlete returned to the Games nearly four years after winning a gold medal competing as a member of the relay team at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. On Feb. 10, Lægreid came in third place in the men’s 20km biathlon, finishing behind Norway’s Johan-Olav Botn and France’s Eric Perrot and winning a bronze medal.
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Lægreid got emotional during a live televised interview after his victory when he admitted to cheating on a romantic partner, calling it «the biggest mistake of my life,» he told NRK, per a translation provided by E! News.
Despite competing and winning at the Olympics, the athlete shared that he was having «the worst week» of his life.
«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,» Lægreid said. «Sport has come second these last few days. Yes, I wish I could share this with her.»
So, what did Sturla Holm Lægreid do? Here’s everything to know about the Olympian’s confession and the aftermath.
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He admitted to an affair after winning a medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics
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During Lægreid’s post-victory interview on Feb. 10, the biathlete got tearful as he admitted to cheating on a recent romantic partner, whose name he didn’t mention.
“There is someone I wanted to share this with who might not be watching today,» he told NRK.
Lægreid added that he «met the love of [his] life» six months prior and called her «the most beautiful and kindest person in the world.»
«Three months ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life and was unfaithful,» the Olympian continued, saying that he came out about his infidelity «about a week ago.»
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Lægreid said he wanted to speak up about the affair to be a “good role model”
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During the interview, Lægreid was asked why he chose that particular moment to speak up about the affair and he explained that he felt pressure to do so after medaling.
«I try to be a good role model, and I did something stupid,» Lægreid said. «You have to admit when you do something you can’t stand for and hurt someone you love so much.»
At a press conference shortly after, the athlete told reporters that he was not sure if his public confession was «the right choice or not,» but stuck by his decision.
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«Today I made the choice to tell the world what I did, so maybe, maybe there is a chance that she will see what she really means to me,” he said, speaking to reporters in English. «And maybe not, but I don’t want to think I didn’t try everything to get her back.»
His ex said it “hurts” to be put in this position
Hendrik Schmidt/picture alliance via Getty
One day after Lægreid’s live confession, his ex-girlfriend spoke to Norwegian outlet VG — while staying anonymous — and revealed that his infidelity was «hard to forgive, 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,» she continued. «[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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Lægreid said he regretted sharing his “personal story” and apologized
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On Feb. 11, Lægreid spoke to NRK again — one day after his declaration — and stated that he had second thoughts about going public with his private life at the Olympics.
«I deeply regret sharing this personal story on what was a day of celebration for Norwegian biathlon,” he said in a statement issued by the Norwegian team on Wednesday, per the Associated Press. «I am not quite myself these days, and not thinking clearly.»
The statement also included an apology from Lægreid to Botn, whom he said «deserved all the attention after winning gold,» and to his ex-girlfriend, «who unwillingly ended up in the media spotlight.»
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«I hope she is doing well,» he continued. «I cannot undo this, but I will now put it behind me and focus on the Olympics. I will not answer any further questions about this.»
Read the original article on People
