Olympian Loses Girlfriend, Wins Bronze, Begs for Forgiveness on Live TV

I don’t pretend to understand the flood of emotion you must experience after competing and medaling in the Olympics. But I feel confident that no amount of overwhelm could lead me to use the world stage as a de facto couples therapist’s office, where I cry, confess I cheated, and hope my partner takes me back.

But this was not Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid’s experience. After winning bronze in Tuesday’s Olympic 20km biathlon, he broke down and confessed to a reporter that he was sad his ex wasn’t there—because he had recently cheated on her. 

“There is something I want to share with someone who may not be watching today,” he said, through tears. “Half a year ago, I met the love of my life. The world’s most beautiful and nicest person. Three months ago, I made the mistake of my life and cheated on her, and I told her about that a week ago. This has been the worst week of my life.” Crying is fine (more men should cry), but trying to pull her into your self-mythologizing redemption arc is ick. 

“I had the gold medal in life, and I am sure there are many people who will see things differently, but I only have eyes for her,” he continued. “Sport has come second these last few days. Yes, I wish I could share this with her.” I’m not his ex, but in my opinion, it’s not giving “Shakespearean declaration of regret and devotion,” it’s giving “I blew up my relationship and would now like the Olympics to help me fix it.” Just saying! 

Call me old fashioned but I don’t think telling the world you cheated on your girlfriend right after you win an Olympic medal is the best idea.

Norway’s biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid is having quite the week#olympics2026#milanocortina2026
pic.twitter.com/bcI9zBHaoA

— RGF (@rgfray1) February 10, 2026

During another press conference shortly after his win, he said he hadn’t “gotten any reactions” from his ex. “I hope I don’t make anything worse for her,” he said, with much more composure. “I hope there’s a happy ending in the end.” 

On Wednesday, his ex responded! She did not sound thrilled. 

“It is hard to forgive. Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world,” she told Norwegian outlet VG. “I did not choose to end up in this situation and it hurts to have to be in it. We have been in contact and he is aware of my views on this.”

“[I am grateful] to my family and friends who have embraced me and supported me during this time,” she added. “Also to everyone else who has thought of me and sympathized, without knowing who I am.”

Congrats to Holm Lægreid on the bronze —accountability is a separate, ideally non-televised event.

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