Livigno: Norweigan biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid has used his bronze medal victory in the men’s 20km event to make a desperate public appeal to the ex-girlfriend he cheated on, saying he hoped that committing “social suicide” at the Winter Olympics would help win her back.
Lægreid, considered one of the world’s top biathletes, was in tears after Tuesday’s competition at the Anterselva Biathlon Arena – and not because he missed out on gold to his countryman Johan-Olav Botn, nor for finishing behind second-placed Frenchman Eric Perrot.
Sturla Holm Laegreid, the Norweigan bronze medallist in biathlon.Credit: AP
The 28-year-old revealed in a series of extraordinary and unprompted post-event confessions to Norweigan outlets that he had been unfaithful to his former partner – someone who he described as a “gold medal in my life” but who he did not publicly identify.
Grasping his skis and overcome with emotions, Lægreid said he informed her only a week ago, with the fallout overshadowing his preparations for Milano Cortina 2026.
“There’s someone I wanted to share it with who might not be watching today,” said Lægreid, a seven-time biathlon world title winner who helped Norway win gold at Beijing 2022 in the men’s relay event.
“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. I told her about it a week ago. It’s been the worst week of my life.
“I had a gold medal in my life, and there are probably many who look at me with different eyes, but I only have eyes for her. Sport has come second these last few days. Yes, I wish I could share this with her.
“I do not want to say who it is. She has had enough to deal with after last week, but I hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel for us both. And that she can continue to love me.”
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