Sturla Holm Laegreid: Biathlete Admits Cheating After Olympic Bronze Win

Moments after winning a bronze medal in the men’s 20km biathlon at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games, Norwegian athlete Sturla Holm Laegreid publicly confessed to infidelity, hoping to win back his girlfriend.

Laegreid, 28, revealed the personal turmoil during a live interview with Norway’s state broadcaster, NRK, following his first individual Olympic medal. He described cheating on his girlfriend of six months approximately three months ago, calling it “the biggest mistake of my life.”

“There’s someone I wanted to share it with who might not be watching,” Laegreid said, visibly emotional. “Six months ago I met the love of my life – the most beautiful and kindest person in the world. Three months ago I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her.”

He continued, “I had the gold medal in life, and I am sure We find many people who will notice 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.”

The biathlon event, which combines cross-country skiing and precision rifle shooting with four stops at a shooting range, saw Laegreid finish third behind fellow Norwegian Johan-Olav Botn, who secured the gold medal, and France’s Eric Perrot. Laegreid is a seven-time world champion and previously won a gold medal in the relay at the 2022 Olympic Games.

Addressing his decision to disclose the affair publicly, Laegreid stated in a post-competition press conference that he was unsure if it was the correct course of action, but felt compelled to express his remorse. “I don’t recognize if it was the right choice or not, but it was the choice I made,” he said. “I made the choice to tell the world what I did so maybe there’s a chance she will see what she really means to me – maybe not, but I don’t wish to think I didn’t try everything to get her back.”

Laegreid expressed a desire to minimize the distraction caused by his confession. “I don’t want to steal the reveal. I hope this is just like a day-or-two thing. Then you are an Olympic gold medallist forever,” he said.

Olympic organizers are currently investigating reports of medals detaching from their ribbons during the opening weekend of the Milan-Cortina Games, a separate issue that emerged during the early stages of the competition.