Norwegian Biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid Apologizes to Team After Viral Confession Overshadows Gold Medal Win in Beijing

Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid, 28, is making headlines again after a dramatic moment during the Winter Olympics that went far beyond the skiing tracks.

After winning bronze in the men’s 20km Individual race on Tuesday, Lægreid stunned the world by admitting on live television that he had cheated on his girlfriend, stealing attention away from his gold medal-winning teammate Johan-Olav Botn.

Emotional Confession Overshadows Gold Medal Moment

Botn, 26, had just clinched gold and wanted to dedicate his victory to the late teammate Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who tragically passed away in his hotel room two months prior to the Games.

But Lægreid’s tearful declaration of love immediately dominated media coverage, turning the spotlight onto his personal life rather than Botn’s athletic achievement.

The confession has since sparked intense criticism in Norway and internationally, with fans and fellow athletes weighing in on what many consider an inappropriate and attention-grabbing outburst.

Making Amends Over Team Dinner

Seeking to repair the damage, Lægreid took the unusual step of buying his entire Norwegian biathlon team dinner on Thursday. Speaking to VG Sport, he explained:

“I wanted to speak in front of everyone and apologise to everyone.

I said it had been a tough week and that I hadn’t been myself.

I hadn’t thought through what I did well enough. I apologised to everyone who was dragged in.

Especially to Johan-Olav, who had the moment he deserved to enjoy, without me having to say what I said.”

He acknowledged that his actions had “ruined the party” and described his speech as addressing “the big elephant in the room.”

Norway’s biathlon coach, Siegfried Mazet, added that the apology was important and noted that Lægreid seemed to understand after the fact that the press conference was not the right place for such personal revelations.

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The Backstory of the Confession

Lægreid’s confession revealed that he had been in a relationship for six months and admitted to being unfaithful three months ago.

Speaking to NRK after his bronze medal race, he said:

“Six months ago, I met the love of my life and the most beautiful and kindest person in the world.

And three months ago I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her… I had a gold medal in my life… I only have eyes for her.”

He expressed uncertainty about the impact of his admission, hoping it might reach his ex-girlfriend at the right time without making things worse.

Ex-Girlfriend Reacts and Public Backlash Grows

The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, responded to Lægreid’s public declaration, stating that forgiveness does not come easily:

“Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world, it’s hard to forgive.

I did not choose to be put in this position, and it hurts to have to be in it.”

Norwegian biathlon legend Ole Einar Bjorndalen also criticized Lægreid, calling the confession “crazy selfish” and emphasizing that the focus should remain on Botn’s gold medal rather than the athlete’s private life.

Despite the backlash, Lægreid admitted he had no regrets, calling his on-air admission a form of “social suicide” and reiterating his commitment to his ex-girlfriend:

“It’s a declaration of love to commit social suicide on TV. She’s the only one I want.”

What’s Next?

Lægreid’s future at the Winter Olympics and within the Norwegian team may involve rebuilding trust with teammates and the public.

Media attention is expected to continue, and how he navigates personal and professional scrutiny will be closely watched.

Meanwhile, Johan-Olav Botn continues to focus on his gold medal achievement and honoring the memory of Sivert Guttorm Bakken.

Summary

Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid caused a media storm after winning bronze in the 20km Individual race by confessing live on TV that he had cheated on his girlfriend.

His emotional outburst overshadowed teammate Johan-Olav Botn’s gold medal victory.

In an attempt to make amends, Lægreid bought the team dinner and publicly apologised.

The confession has drawn criticism from fellow athletes, fans, and his ex-girlfriend, though Lægreid insists he has no regrets and describes his actions as “social suicide.”

The Winter Olympics spotlight now splits between his personal drama and the achievements of Team Norway.