Norwegian athlete Sturla Holm Lægreid addressed the backlash after his affair confession overshadowed teammate Johan-Olav Botn’s gold medal finish at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Lægreid, 28, extended an apology to his ex-girlfriend after telling the public about his infidelity in a live TV interview at the sporting event. Lægreid said in a statement on Wednesday, February 11, that he “deeply” regrets bringing up his personal life “on what was a festive day for Norwegian biathlon.”
“I am not quite myself today, and I am not thinking clearly,” he continued. “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. I hope she is doing well.”
Lægreid noted that while he “cannot change” the situation, he “will now put this behind me and focus on the Olympics.” He concluded by declining to “answer any further questions” going forward.
The athlete won a bronze medal while Botn won gold on Tuesday, February 10, at the Olympics in Italy after competing in the men’s 20km biathlon. Most of the focus, however, was on Lægreid’s relationship after he issued a message to his ex.
“There is someone I wanted to share this with who might not be watching today,” he told NRK while calling his ex “the most beautiful and kindest person in the world.”
Lægreid explained how being unfaithful to her was “the biggest mistake” of his life. After dating for six months, the pair called it quits one week before the Olympics when Lægreid confessed to his infidelity.
Lægreid called it “the worst week of my life,” adding, “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. Sport has come second these last few days. Yes, I wish I could share this with her.”
He continued: “I try to be a good role model, and I did something stupid. You have to admit when you do something you can’t stand for and hurt someone you love so much.”
The woman, who preferred to remain anonymous, broke her silence after Lægreid’s confession went viral.
“I did not choose to be put in this position, and it hurts to have to be in it,” she told Norwegian outlet VG on Wednesday. “We have had contact and he is aware of my opinions on this.”
The woman said the infidelity was “hard to forgive” despite Lægreid’s “declaration of love in front of the whole world.”
“[I am grateful] to my family and friends who have embraced me and supported me during this time,” she concluded. “Also to everyone else who has thought of me and sympathized, without knowing who I am.”
Read the full article here
