Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid’s now ex-girlfriend said it will be “hard to forgive” the Olympic medalist after he cheated — and then blasted him for turning the private heartbreak into a public spectacle at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“It’s hard to forgive. Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world,” Laegreid’s former girlfriend, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Norwegian tabloid VG on Wednesday.
His ex-sweetheart took exception when she was dragged into the spotlight during Laegreid’s tearful interview, where he admitted to the affair, after his bronze finish in the men’s 20km biathlon.
“I did not choose to be put in this position, and it hurts to have to be in it,” she said. “We have had contact, and he is aware of my opinions on this.”
She also thanked those closest to her for rallying around her amid the fallout.
“To my family and friends who have embraced me and supported me during this time, also to everyone else who has thought of me and sympathised, without knowing who I am,” she said.
Laegreid stunned viewers by admitting on live TV about cheating on her minutes after winning the illustrious medal on Tuesday — and turning what should have been a triumphant moment into what he called the “worst week of my life.”
“Six months ago, I met the love of my life and the most beautiful and kindest person in the world,” he said, fighting back tears in an interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK. “Three months ago, I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her.”
Hours later, Laegreid — who said he had come clean to her a week before — revealed he hadn’t “got any reactions from” her since going public.
“I am happy because maybe she has not seen it and maybe she will see it at the right time,” he said. “I hope I don’t make it worse for her. Maybe it can help. I don’t know. We will see.”
Refusing to identify her, Laegreid said she is “probably still processing last week’s message.”
“I hope there’s light at the end of the tunnel for both of us and that she can still love me,” he added.
Lægreid said he chose to go public after having a “revelation” the night before and needed to “drop this bomb” on live TV.
“Then we’ll see what happens. I have nothing to lose,” he said. “I am already hated by her, and I hope that maybe it can make her realize how much I love her.”
Lægreid, widely regarded as one of the world’s top biathletes — a winter sport combining rifle shooting and cross-country skiing — is a six-time World Champion, the 2024–2025 World Cup overall winner, and a 2022 Olympic relay champion.
Despite the excitement of winning bronze on Tuesday, he admitted the medal would mean little if she left him.
“I had the gold medal in life,” he said. “I am sure there are many people who will see 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.”
“I hope that committing social suicide might show how much I love her. I’m taking the consequences for what I’ve done. I regret it with all my heart.”
Explaining how he managed to compete amid the turmoil, Laegreid said a heartfelt video from his home club helped motivate him.
“I want to be a good role model, but I have to own up to my mistakes,” he said. “You have to recognize when you’ve done something you can’t defend and hurt someone you love so deeply.”
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