Laegreid Wins Olympic Bronze Then Confesses Affair Live On Air

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Sturla Holm Laegreid stunned viewers at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics after winning bronze in the men’s 20km individual biathlon and then admitting live on television that he had cheated on his girlfriend.

The 28-year-old Norwegian, claiming his first individual Olympic medal, made the confession during an interview with NRK shortly after the race. Laegreid revealed he had an affair three months ago and described it as “my biggest mistake”.

The seven-time world champion said the days leading up to the event had been overshadowed by personal turmoil after he told his girlfriend of six months about the affair. “There’s someone I wanted to share it with who might not be watching,” he said.

“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 had the gold medal in life…I only have eyes for her. Sport has come second these last few days. Yes, I wish I could share this with her.”

A Medal and a Moment That Divided Opinion

Laegreid later told Norwegian newspaper VG that he chose to go public in the hope of repairing the relationship. “My only way to solve it is to tell everything and put everything on the table, and hope that she can still love me,” he said.

“I have nothing to lose. I want to be a good role model, but I have to admit when I make mistakes.” On the track, Laegreid finished behind fellow Norwegian Johan-Olav Botn, who took gold, and France’s Eric Perrot in silver. It marked Laegreid’s second Olympic medal after relay gold at Beijing 2022.

In a later press conference, he admitted he was unsure whether the timing of his announcement had been right. “Of course, now I hope I didn’t ruin Johan’s day,” he said. “I don’t want to steal the show.”

Five-time Olympic champion Johannes Thingnes Boe, now working as a broadcaster, questioned the decision. “His action was wrong… Unfortunately, the time, place and timing are all wrong,” Boe said.

Botn’s victory carried its own emotional weight. He shouted the name of late team-mate Sivert Guttorm Bakken as he crossed the line. Bakken was found dead in December in northern Italy. “We were five guys on the start line, and one of them was watching from above,” Laegreid said. “This was for Sivert, really.”