Oslo, Norway – – The former girlfriend of Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid has publicly acknowledged the pain caused by his recent admission of an affair, stating it “is hard to forgive” despite his very public apology. The response comes after Lægreid, a prominent figure in the world of biathlon, revealed his infidelity immediately following a bronze medal win at the Winter Olympics on .
Lægreid’s unexpected disclosure, made during a televised post-race interview, detailed a six-month relationship that culminated in a betrayal he described as “the mistake of my life.” He told viewers he had informed his girlfriend of the affair a week prior, calling it “the worst week of my life.” The admission immediately overshadowed his athletic achievement and thrust his personal life into the international spotlight.
The woman, who has requested anonymity, communicated her reaction through Norwegian newspaper VG, expressing the difficulty of navigating the situation given its public nature. “It is hard to forgive, even after such a public declaration of love in front of the whole world,” she wrote. “I have not asked to be put in this position and it is hard to be there. We have had contact and he knows my feelings about this.”
The timing and manner of Lægreid’s confession have drawn criticism, with many questioning his decision to address such a personal matter in the immediate aftermath of a significant sporting accomplishment. Lægreid himself acknowledged the inappropriateness of his actions later on , issuing a further apology for diverting attention from the success of fellow Norwegian biathlete Johan-Olav Botn, who won gold in the same event.
“I sincerely apologise for revealing this personal story on a happy day for Norwegian biathlon,” Lægreid stated. “I am not myself and not thinking clearly. The apology goes to Johan-Olav who deserved to have all the attention after his gold. And it goes to my former girlfriend, who has been put in the media spotlight without her wish, I hope she is doing OK. I can’t redo this, but I want to put it behind me and focus on the Olympics. I will not make any further comments about it.”
Lægreid’s athletic record includes a gold medal in the relay at the Beijing Olympics four years ago and a total of 14 World Championship medals, establishing him as one of the leading biathletes globally. However, this week’s events have undeniably shifted the focus from his sporting prowess to his personal life.
Despite the turmoil surrounding Lægreid, his former girlfriend also used her statement to acknowledge a separate, poignant moment from the competition. She highlighted the tribute paid to Sivert Guttorm Bakken, a Norwegian biathlete who tragically died just before Christmas. “It was moving to see how Sivert was included in the victory,” she said, referring to Botn’s dedication of his win to Bakken with a shoutout to the cameras after crossing the finish line – a gesture that resonated deeply with the Norwegian team and fans.
The incident raises broader questions about the intersection of personal lives and public performance for elite athletes, and the pressures they face under intense media scrutiny. Lægreid’s decision to publicly address his infidelity, while seemingly motivated by a desire for honesty, has inadvertently created a complex and painful situation for all involved. The fallout from his confession is likely to continue as the Winter Olympics progress, potentially impacting his performance and the narrative surrounding the Norwegian biathlon team.
The case also underscores the challenges of navigating relationships in the high-pressure world of professional sports, where travel, competition, and public attention can create unique strains. While Lægreid has expressed remorse and a desire to move forward, the path to reconciliation – if possible – remains uncertain, and his former girlfriend’s statement suggests a long and difficult road ahead.
