Olympian Sturla Holm Lægreid's cheeky reaction after 'atomic bomb' cheating admission
Olympian Sturla Holm Lægreid is reflecting on his bombshell admission he cheated on his ex-girlfriend.
Since the affair confession, which was made after winning his first individual Olympic medal last week, the Norwegian biathlete has witnessed firsthand the power of the media and virality.
"After my atomic bomb in the mixed zone, I feel like I need to really watch what I'm saying ... now that every statement from me can become clickbait," he told Reuters with a broad grin.
Watch the video above.
Sturla Holm Laegreid has a cheeky response one week after admitting to cheating on his girlfriend. dpa/picture alliance via Getty I
Moments after winning the bronze medal in the men's 20km biathlon, Lægreid got the truth off his chest in front of the cameras broadcasting the post-race TV interview worldwide.
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".
"There is something I want to share with someone who may not be watching today," he said, fighting back tears.
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The Olympian broke down in tears. Getty
"[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 biathlete, who appeared distraught after his success in the race, said he'd only told his partner about the affair a week ago and that "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."
Soon after, his ex-girlfriend responded to the athlete's on-air confession.
He admitted the truth after winning his first individual Olympic medal. AP
The statement comes hours after Laegreid's ex-girlfriend responded to the athlete's affair confession.
"It's hard to forgive, even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world," the woman, who wants to remain anonymous, told Norwegian newspaper VG.
"I did not choose to be put in this position, and it hurts to have to be in it."
She also confirmed she had been in touch with Laegreid directly, but it seemed things hadn't quite gone the way he was hoping.
"We have had contact and he is aware of my opinions on this," she told VG.
The ex has since made her own statement. Getty
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".
Want the official inside scoop on MAFS, unfiltered and unseen? Watch After The Dinner Party here.
Twenty-four hours on, the truth of what he admitted to hit him hard, and the Norwegian Olympian began to regret putting his personal business on the public stage.
"I deeply apologise for bringing up this personal story on what was a day of celebration for Norwegian biathlon," Laegreid said in a statement.
"I'm not quite myself these days, and I'm not thinking clearly."
Laegreid also apologised to his Norwegian Johan-Olav Botn, who had won gold in the same race.
The Olympian apologised to his teammate and his ex-girlfriend. Getty
"My apology goes to Johan-Olav, who deserved all the attention after winning gold," he said.
"It also goes to my ex-girlfriend, who was unwillingly thrust into the media spotlight.
"I hope she is doing well. I can't undo this, but I will now put it behind me and focus on the Olympics going forward. I won't be answering any further questions about this."
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