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Laegreid expresses regret after public confession
Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid has issued a second apology for revealing his infidelity during a live television interview following his bronze medal win at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The revelation has drawn attention away from his teammate's gold medal victory and placed his ex-girlfriend in an unwanted media spotlight.
Emotional podium moment sparks controversy
Laegreid, visibly distressed, described the past week as the "worst of his life" after his ex-girlfriend ended their relationship upon learning of his unfaithfulness. The confession came immediately after he secured bronze in the men's 20km biathlon event, his first individual Olympic medal.
Standing beside him on the podium was fellow Norwegian Johan-Olav Botn, who won gold and dedicated his victory to their late teammate, Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who died in December. Botn shouted Bakken's name as he crossed the finish line, but media coverage has since centered on Laegreid's personal revelations.
Ex-girlfriend responds to public apology
In an anonymous statement published by Norwegian newspaper VG, Laegreid's ex-girlfriend said she "did not choose to be put in this position" and found the situation "hard to forgive." She acknowledged that they had been in contact and that he was aware of her feelings.
"It's hard to forgive. Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world."
Laegreid's ex-girlfriend, via VG
Laegreid issues formal apology to teammates and ex-partner
In a statement released through Norway's state broadcaster NRK on Wednesday, Laegreid expressed deep regret for overshadowing what should have been a celebratory day for Norwegian biathlon.
"I am not quite myself these days, and I am not thinking clearly. My apologies go to Johan-Olav, who deserved all the attention after winning gold. My apologies also go to my ex-girlfriend, who unwillingly ended up in the media spotlight. I hope she is doing well."
Sturla Holm Laegreid, via NRK
Laegreid stated he would not address the matter further and intended to refocus on the Olympics.
Reactions from teammates and critics
During a news conference on Tuesday, Laegreid had expressed hope that he had not "ruined" Botn's day but maintained, "I stand by my choice."
Johannes Thingnes Bø, a five-time Olympic gold medalist in biathlon, criticized Laegreid's actions in comments to NRK, calling them "completely wrong."
Olympic context
The Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina run from February 6 to 22, featuring events across multiple sports. The BBC is providing live coverage, including streams on BBC iPlayer (UK only), radio updates on BBC Radio 5 Live, and live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.
