'Hard to forgive': Norwegian Olympian's ex-girlfriend responds after public cheating admission

The ex-girlfriend of Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid has broken her silence following his very public admission of cheating on her.

Following his bronze medal win at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in the individual 20km biathlon event, he spoke - unprompted - of his difficult week and regret after the break up.

Now the mystery woman, who wants to remain anonymous, has spoken out and says his cheating is "hard to forgive".

"It's hard to forgive, even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world," she told Norwegian newspaper VG in a statement.

"I did not choose to be put in this position, and it hurts to have to be in it."

During a press conference after the medal presentation, Lægreid said he was yet to hear back from the woman in question but hoped his grand gesture could give the story a "happy ending".

The woman confirmed she had now been in touch with the biathlete directly but it seemed things haven't quite gone the way he was hoping.

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"We have had contact and he is aware of my opinions on this," she told VG.

The woman thanked family and friends "who have embraced me and supported me" during the difficult time, along with strangers who have "thought of me and sympathised, without knowing who I am".

During the stunning live TV moment, Lægreid admitted he cheated on the woman he labelled "the love of my life" three months ago but only told her last week.

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

The distraught biathlete said "it ended, of course" after he told his former partner about the episode last week.

"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 said.

"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.

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"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 refused to reveal the woman's identity, stating she's had enough to deal with in the past week, but said wanted to make the public declaration in an effort to win her back.

He's declined to comment on her remarks.

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