‘Worst week of my life’: Unfaithful Olympic medallist makes desperate bid to win back ex

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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.

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.”

Asked how he managed to win bronze under those circumstances, he said: “I try to be a good role model. I did something stupid. I wanted to be a good role model. But I have to admit that I make mistakes. It’s painful to admit when you do something you shouldn’t do. And hurt someone you love. But that’s life.”

Lægreid said he was determined not to “give up” on his broken relationship despite his infidelity.

“I hope that committing social suicide might show how much I love her,” he said.

“I’m taking the consequences for what I’ve done. I regret it with all my heart. My only path forward is to tell everything and put all my cards on the table, and hope that she can still love me.

“I’ve done that for her, and now the whole world. I have nothing to lose.”

Later in the mixed zone, he said: “Now I hope I didn’t ruin Johan’s day. Maybe it was really selfish of me to give that interview. I’m not really here, mentally.”

The Winter Olympic Games will be broadcast on the 9Network, 9Now and Stan Sport.

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