Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – The ex-girlfriend of Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid has spoken publicly for the first time since he revealed during a live television interview following his bronze medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics that he had cheated on her. The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, described being “hurt” by the public nature of the confession and stated it would be “hard to forgive” Lægreid.
Speaking to Norwegian tabloid VG, the woman said she “did not choose to be put in this position, and it hurts to have to be in it.” She confirmed that she had been in contact with Lægreid and that he was aware of her feelings regarding his public disclosure of their private matter.
Lægreid’s unexpected confession came immediately after securing a bronze medal in the men’s 20km biathlon event on . In a tearful interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, he revealed he had met the “love of my life” six months prior, but had been unfaithful three months into the relationship. He stated he had informed her of his infidelity just a week before the start of the Olympic Games, describing the subsequent days as “the worst week of my life.”
The timing and location of Lægreid’s admission – immediately following a medal ceremony at the Winter Olympics – drew immediate criticism, overshadowing the achievement of his compatriot, Johan-Olav Botn, who won gold in the same event. Lægreid himself later acknowledged that he regretted using the celebratory occasion to discuss personal issues.
“I deeply regret sharing this personal story on what was a day of celebration for Norwegian biathlon,” Lægreid said in a statement released by the Norwegian team on . “I am not quite myself these days, and not thinking clearly.”
He apologized to Botn, stating that the gold medallist “deserved all the attention” after his victory, and also expressed regret for the unwanted media attention directed towards his former girlfriend. “I hope she is doing well,” he said. “undo this, but I will now put it behind me and focus on the Olympics. I will not answer any further questions about this.”
The woman, in her statement to VG, expressed gratitude for the support she had received from family and friends, as well as from strangers who had reached out to offer sympathy. “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 sympathized, without knowing who I am,” she said.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the pressures faced by athletes, the boundaries between public and private life, and the ethics of airing personal grievances on a global stage. While Lægreid’s confession was presented as an attempt at honesty and a plea for reconciliation, it has been widely viewed as a self-serving act that unnecessarily dragged his former partner into the spotlight.
The case also highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by athletes in the age of social media and 24-hour news coverage. The expectation to maintain a flawless public image can be immense, and any perceived misstep can quickly become a global scandal. Lægreid’s situation demonstrates the potential consequences of failing to navigate these pressures effectively.
The fallout from Lægreid’s confession is likely to continue as the 2026 Winter Olympics progresses. While he has stated his intention to focus on his remaining competitions, the incident has undoubtedly cast a shadow over his performance and raised questions about his future in the sport. The focus now shifts to whether he can compartmentalize the personal turmoil and deliver on his athletic potential, and whether his former girlfriend will ever be able to consider forgiveness.
