Norwegian Olympian's teammates react to his shocking affair confession in live TV interview: 'A complete surprise'

Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid's shock cheating confession after winning Bronze at Milano Cortina 2026 has garnered mixed reactions from his fellow athletes.

The 28-year-old stunned the world when he confessed he'd "cheated on the love of my life" in a live TV interview after the win, in the hopes of regaining her affection.

After the moment went to air, Johannes Thingnes Bø, five-time Olympic champion and former teammate of Laegreid, broke his silence on the matter saying the timing was "all wrong" to make such an admission.

"It came as a complete surprise," Thingnes Bø said during NRK's studio broadcast.

"His action was wrong – we saw a repentant lad standing there. Unfortunately, the time, place and timing are all wrong.

"With Sturla, the emotions are all on the outside of his body, he can't hide them.

"I think it just burst out. I don't know if he had planned for it to happen... I don't know how he sees that behaviour in hindsight."

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Laegreid's Olympic teammate Johannes Dale-Skjevdal told the same outlet that he was aware of the infidelity before it was made public, as Laegreid confided in him.

"We have known that, yes," Dale-Skjevdal said.

"I don't have many comments about it now. It's good that he is open about it, and if he wants to talk about things, that's fine."

Meanwhile, his other teammate, Martin Ulda, said he had been blindsided by the revelations; however, he had noticed that Laegreid wasn't acting like himself.

"I've noticed a little bit about him, that he's been a little different, but I haven't really known why," he confessed.

"I've thought it might just be a bit of nerves. It's very sad to hear. Really tough, tough situation."

In the interview that has made headlines around the world, the Olympian confessed it had been "the worst week of my life," despite winning the bronze in the 20km individual biathlon.

"There's someone I wanted to share (the celebrations) with who might not be watching," he said during a press conference after the event.

"Six months ago, I met the love of my life – the most beautiful and kindest person in the world.

"Three months ago, I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her.

"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.

"Sport has come second these last few days. Yes, I wish I could share this with her."

Afterwards, he said he hoped he hadn't ruined the moment for the athlete Johan-Olav Botn, who had won gold and was sitting in the press conference with him.

He later told a Norwegian newspaper he had "nothing else to lose."

"My only way to solve it is to tell everything and put everything on the table, and hope that she can still love me," he said.

"I've done that for her, and now for the whole world. I have nothing to lose.

"I want to be a good role model, but I have to admit when I make mistakes."

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