Girlfriend of Winter Olympic medal winner who confessed to cheating breaks silence after hearing ‘declaration of love’
The Girlfriend of a Winter Olympic medal winner who confessed to cheating on her during a bizarre television interview has spoken out after hearing what she described as a “declaration of love”.
Norway’s Sturla Holm Laegreid, 28, shocked viewers by turning from sport to cheating revelations following his bronze in the men’s 20km individual biathlon.
Appearing emotional whilst speaking, he said: “There’s someone I wanted to share this with who might not be watching today.
“Three months ago, I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her.”
Now, just days after the admission, the mystery girlfriend, who wants to remain anonymous, says she hasn’t forgiven him.
Writing to Norwegian newspaper VG, she said: “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. We have had contact and he is aware of my opinions on this.”
She added that she wanted to express gratitude “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 sympathised, without knowing who I am.”
Norway’s Sturla Holm Laegreid clinched third in the biathlon, one of the most testing sports at the Winter Olympics | REUTERSDuring his public confession, Holm Laegreid described his former girlfriend as “the love of my life” six months ago and refered to her as “the most beautiful and kindest person in the world”.
He went on to say that telling her had made the past week “the worst week of my life”.
The athlete said: “I had a gold medal in my life … but I only have eyes for her.
“I don’t know what I want to achieve by saying this…I wish I could share it with her.”
Sturla Holm Laegreid gave an emotional interview where he confessed to cheating on his girlfriend | NRKRevealing his motivation behind going public with his actions, the Norwegian said: “I am already hated by her, and I hope that maybe it can make her realise how much I love her.”
“She’s probably still processing last week’s message, but I hope there’s light at the end of the tunnel for both of us. And that she can still love me.”
Social media and sports forums lit up with debate over the unusual moment.
Some commentators saw it as a refreshing display of honesty and accountability, while others questioned whether sporting events should be platforms for airing deeply personal matters.
The men’s 20km individual biathlon is one of the Games’ most demanding events
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GETTYWhatever the view, the moment certainly transcended sport itself and captured wider public attention.
The men’s 20km individual biathlon is one of the Games’ most demanding events.
It combines cross-country skiing with marksmanship.
He finished third behind fellow Norwegian Johan-Olav Botn and France’s Eric Perrot, successfully hitting 19 of his 20 shots.
