Tearful Norwegian confesses to cheating on girlfriend, begs forgiveness after bronze medal win

VIDEO SHOWS: MILANO CORTINA WINTER OLYMPICS PRESS CONFERENCE COMMENTS FROM BRONZE MEDALLIST STURLA HOLM LAEGREID AND STILLS FROM THE MEN'S 20KM INDIVIDUAL BIATHLON EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: SEE EDIT 4188-OLYMPICS-2026/HIGHLIGHTS-2 FOR FOOTAGE OF STURLA HOLM LAEGREID COMPETING IN BIATHLON MEN'S 20KM INDIVIDUAL. SHOWS: ANTERSELVA, ITALY (FEBRUARY 10, 2026) (IOC – See restrictions before use) 1. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BRONZE MEDALLIST, STURLA HOLM LAEGREID, SAYING: "It was the choice I made. We make different choices during our life and that's how you make life basically. So today I made the choice to tell the world what I did, so maybe, maybe there's a chance that she will see what she really means to me and maybe not, but I don't want to think I didn't try everything to get her back." SOUTH TYROL, ITALY (FEBRUARY 10, 2026) (Reuters – Access All) (MUTE) 2. VARIOUS (3) STILLS OF BRONZE MEDALLIST, STURLA HOLM LAEGREID COMPETING IN THE BIATHLON 3. VARIOUS (2) STILLS OF BRONZE MEDALLIST, STURLA HOLM LAEGREID AT THE MEDAL CEREMONY STORY:   Norway's Sturla Holm Laegreid followed up his bronze medal in the biathlon at the Winter Olympics on Tuesday (February, 10) with a stunning confession that he had cheated on his girlfriend, before openly begging her for another chance.   "I realized that this is the woman in my life, and I can't live my whole life keeping it a secret from her. My only way to solve it is to tell everything and put everything on the table, and hope that she can still love me," Laegreid told Norwegian newspaper VG.   "I've done that for her, and now for the whole world. I have nothing to lose."   The biathlete made his revelation to Norwegian state broadcaster NRK after taking the bronze in a race won by his compatriot Johan-Olav Botn, with Eric Perrot of France coming in second.   "There's someone I wanted to share it with who might not be watching today. Six months ago I met the love of my life – the most beautiful and kindest person in the world," he said. "Three months ago I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her," he added tearfully. "I told her about it a week ago. It's been the worst week of my life." Without naming the woman, 28-year-old Laegreid compared her to the Games' most prestigious prize. "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," he said. "Sport has taken a slightly different place (in my life) the last few days. Yes, I wish I could share it with her."  During the post race press conference Laegreid was asked to reflect on the decision he made.    "Today I made the choice to tell the world what I did, so maybe, maybe there's a chance that she will see what she really means to me and maybe not, but I don't want to think I didn't try everything to get her back." (Production: Lucy Thomson)

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