Sturla Holm Lægreid, a Norwegian biathlete, had an incredible time at the Winter Olympics, managing to win a bronze medal in the men's 20km individual event. While winning an Olympic medal would leave anyone emotional, the 28-year-old was left in tears for a different reason.
Speaking to NRK, a Norwegian broadcaster, the sportsman was seen in tears as he spoke about his girlfriend, admitting that he had been unfaithful to her three months into their relationship. "There's someone I wanted to share this with who might not be watching today," he started.
"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."
He confessed that he had been honest with his partner, telling her the news a week before flying out for the Games, which are being held in Milano Cortina, which led to her leaving him.
Calling his admission the "worst week of my life", he continued: "I had a gold medal in my life. I only have eyes for her. I don't know what I want to achieve by saying this, but sports have been in a different line in recent days. So, I wish I could share it with her."
"I hope that committing social suicide might show how much I love her. I'm taking the consequences for what I've done. I regret it with all my heart."
© Getty ImagesSpeaking at a news conference held after the event, Sturla continued: "I don't know if it was the right choice or not, but it was the choice I made. I made the choice to tell the world what I did so maybe there's a chance she will see what she really means to me - maybe not, but I don't want to think I didn't try everything to get her back.
"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."
Sturla's career
Sturla has been active in the sport since the age of 16, after initially experimenting with the likes of football, taekwondo and bandy, the latter of which is similar to ice hockey.
© Getty ImagesHe has enjoyed plenty of success over the years, winning several world championships and securing an Olympic gold medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics in the relay event.
However, his career has also been hit by health issues. He was forced to miss most of the 2018/2019 season after he contracted mononucleosis, which is also known as glandular fever. He also had to miss several competitions late in 2023 after he contracted COVID-19, although he has since made a full recovery.
