Sturla Lægreid Wins Bronze Then Confesses to Cheating on His Girlfriend on a Live Broadcast - Video

In a jaw-dropping moment, the decorated biathlete revealed he had cheated on his girlfriend — calling it the worst mistake of his life. Continue reading to see the video of the extraordinary interview and find out how she responded.

Sturla Holm Lægreid's bronze medal at the Winter Olympics on February 10, 2026, was quickly eclipsed by a deeply personal admission delivered moments after he left the course.

The 28-year-old Norwegian, competing in the 20km individual biathlon, secured his first individual Olympic medal by finishing third behind compatriot Johan-Olav Botn and France's Eric Perrot.

It marked his second Olympic podium overall, following relay gold at the 2022 Beijing Games, and added to a career that already included 14 world championship medals. But during a live interview with NRK, Norway's state broadcaster, Lægreid shifted the focus away from sport.

"There's someone I wanted to share it with who might not be watching," he began, before revealing that he had cheated on his girlfriend of six months three months into their relationship. He continued:

"Six months ago I met the love of my life — the most beautiful and kindest person in the world. Three months ago I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her. 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," Lægreid added. He described the period since telling her as the worst week of his life.

In later remarks to Norwegian newspaper VG, the biathlete said he felt compelled to speak openly. "My only way to solve it is to tell everything and put everything on the table, and hope that she can still love me," he said.

However, his decision to make the disclosure during an Olympic broadcast drew swift scrutiny. Five-time Olympic champion Johannes Thingnes Boe, now working as an expert for NRK, questioned the judgement behind the timing.

"It came as a complete surprise. His action was wrong — we saw a repentant lad standing there. Unfortunately, the time, place and timing are all wrong," Boe said.

His former girlfriend, who asked to remain anonymous, later responded in writing to VG.

At a subsequent press conference, Lægreid acknowledged the potential impact on others — particularly Botn, who had just secured gold. "Of course, now I hope I didn't ruin Johan's day," he stated.

"I don't know if it was the right choice or not, but it was the choice I made. I don't want to steal the show. I hope this is just like a day-or-two thing. Then you are an Olympic gold medallist forever," he explained.

Later that evening, Lægreid issued a further statement, offering what he described as a sincere apology for the timing. "I sincerely apologise for revealing this personal story on a happy day for Norwegian biathlon. I am not myself and not thinking clearly," he began.

The biathlete went on to say that the apology was directed first to Botn — who deserved to have the full spotlight after winning gold — and also to his former girlfriend, who had been thrust into the media attention against her wishes.

He added that he hoped she was doing OK, acknowledged he could not undo what had happened, and stated that he now wanted to move forward, focus on the Olympics, and make no further public comments on the matter.

His former girlfriend, who asked to remain anonymous, later responded in writing to VG. She said the situation was "hard to forgive" and indicated that she had not chosen to be drawn into a public narrative. She further wrote:

"We have had contact and he knows my feelings about this."

She thanked "my family and my friends who have embraced me and supported me during this — and to all others who have thought about me and sympathised with me, without knowing who I am."

In her message, she also redirected attention to a separate, emotional thread of the day. The race had carried tributes to Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who died just before Christmas last year.

After crossing the line, Botn had shouted, "We did it Sivert!" into the television cameras. "It was moving to see how Sivert was included in the victory," she said. As for the court of public opinion, online reaction was immediate and divided.

Some accused Lægreid of making what they saw as a calculated gesture. "This is emotional manipulation," one person commented. Another wrote, "So this is called a grandiose gesture and is a form of manipulation. I hope she doesn't fall for it."

A third added, "I hope she runs as far away as possible." Echoing that sentiment, one netizen said, "I hope she's running away from him so fast that he can't catch her downhill, on skis." Another questioned the delay, typing, "It took him 3 months to realise he made a huge mistake?"

However, others viewed the moment differently. "everyone is hating in the comments, but i think this was actually an extremely vulnerable thing to do. he owned up to his mistake on NATIONAL television [sic]," one supporter shared.

"that doesn't excuse his actions, but that takes courage to admit. choose love, choose forgiveness, choose kindness. ephesians 4:32 'be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you' [sic]," they continued.

In the end, what should have been a defining Olympic milestone instead became a story about timing, privacy, and the risks of turning personal reconciliation into a public act. For Lægreid, the bronze medal remains. However, the wider consequences are still unfolding.