'I cheated on her': Norwegian Olympian's stunning admission on live TV after winning bronze

A Norwegian athlete has broken down in tears and admitted to cheating on his girlfriend in a stunning live TV moment after winning bronze at Milano Cortina 2026.

Despite taking home his first individual Olympic medal, Sturla Holm Lægreid told Norway's state broadcaster NRK it had been "the worst week of [his] life".

Moments after coming third in the men's 20km biathlon he confessed to the affair on-air, later telling reporters he was yet to hear from the woman he called "the love of my life".

Watch the video above.

"There is something I want to share with someone who may not be watching today," he said during the post-race TV interview, fighting back tears.

"[Six months] 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 that's all I've been thinking about for a week. This has been the worst week of my life."

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The biathlete, who appeared distraught after his success in the race, said he'd only told his partner about the affair a week ago and "it ended, of course".

"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," he continued.

"I'm not quite sure what I'm trying to say by saying this now, but sport has taken a back seat in recent days. I wish I could share this with her.

"I'm not ready to give up... I'm taking the consequences for what I've done, I regret it with all my heart."

Lægreid, who was part of the relay team that took gold at Beijing 2022, said he tries to be "a good role model" but "did something stupid".

"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."

In a media conference after the medal ceremony, he said he was yet to hear from his ex following his startlingly personal admission.

"I haven't got any reactions from the girl I mentioned," he told reporters.

"I am happy because maybe she has not seen it and maybe she will see it at the right time."

Lægreid admitted he has hope of a "happy ending" for the pair.

"Today, I made a choice to tell the world what I did," he said.

"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 hope I don't make anything worse for her, but maybe it can help. I don't know, I hope there's a happy ending."

The athlete also confirmed he did not want to reveal the identity of the woman.

"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," he told NRK.

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