Shock as Sturla Holm Laegreid reveals affair in live interview after taking biathlon bronze at Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, hopes for 'happy ending'

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Norway’s Sturla Holm Laegreid won bronze in the men’s biathlon, before revealing he had an affair and had made the "mistake of my life". Leagreid came behind France's Eric Perrot and compatriot Johan-Olav Botn, but took the headlines with his comments, which no doubt stunned viewers in his homeland. Laegreid added that he hoped for a "happy ending" after what had been a tough time.

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Norway’s Sturla Holm Laegreid won bronze in the men’s biathlon at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, and then revealed in an interview that he had made a "mistake" by cheating on the "love of my life".

Laegreid finished third behind France’s Eric Perrot and compatriot Johan-Olav Botn, but made headlines with his stunning post-race comments.

He announced on the Norwegian TV channel NRK that the last week had been "the worst" of his life after informing "the love of my life" that he had cheated on her.

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The 28-year-old also revealed that he had been struggling to give his full attention to sport in the past week and said that he hoped saying it on live TV would "show how much I love her".

Laegreid said: "There is something I want to share with someone who may not be watching today.

"Half a year ago, I met the love of my life. The world’s most beautiful and nicest person.

"Three months ago, I made the mistake of my life and cheated on her, and I told her about that a week ago. This has been the worst week of my life."

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Laegreid won gold in Beijing four years ago, but after winning his second Olympic medal, he revealed his sadness at not being able to share it with the person he cares most about.

He added: "I had the gold medal in life, and 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."

Having revealed how much he struggled in the week leading up to competition, Laegreid was asked by NRK how he found the motivation to still compete.

"I try to be a good role model and I did something stupid," he said.

"I got a nice video from the club at home and I used that as motivation today. As I said, I want to be a good role model, but I have to admit when I get something wrong.

"You have to admit when you do something you can’t stand for, and hurt someone you love so much.

Sturla Holm Laegreid said he had had "no reaction" from his comments.

Image credit: Getty Images

"I do not want to say who it is. She has had enough to deal with after last week, but I hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel for us both and that she can continue to love me."

Laegreid was also asked about his comments in the post-race press conference.

He revealed that he had not yet heard from the woman in question, but hoped for a positive outcome.

"I haven’t got any reactions from the girl that I mentioned, and I am happy because maybe she hasn’t seen it, maybe she will see it at the right time," he said.

"I hope I don’t make anything worse for her, but maybe it can help. I don’t know, I hope there is a happy ending in the end, so we will see what I can do."

Watch every event of Milano Cortina 2026 live on discovery+. Available across all subscription plans, starting at £3.99.

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