Olympian who confessed to cheating on girlfriend on live TV issues apology to teammate over actions

Norwegian athlete Sturla Holm Lægreid has shared his 'regret' after his live TV cheating admission took 'attention' away from his teammate's win.

Like when you used to hand round a stuffed animal to signal your turn to speak in class, bagging himself a Winter Olympic medal seemingly stirred something inside Norwegian athlete Sturla Holm Lægreid.

The athlete admitted to cheating on his girlfriend while on live TV during an interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, while sat next to his teammate who had just won gold.

The 28-year-old broke down over his win, admitting it didn't feel as good because he couldn't share the excitement with his girlfriend because he'd cheated on her several months earlier.

He later reflected on whether or not it was 'the right choice' to make the admission on live TV, admitting he wasn't sure, but hoped the public flagellation may help 'get her back'.

Alas, despite emphasizing he didn't want to 'steal the show,' that is exactly what Lægreid did.

And the wondrous power of hindsight has clearly kicked in, the athlete since reflecting some more, this time issuing an apology to his teammate.

Laegreid has reflected on his public admission (Harry How/Getty Images)

Indeed, it may've been the 'worst week of his life,' for Lægreid, but it was certainly a big week for his Winter Olympics teammate Johan-Olav Botn too.

Not only did Botn take home a gold medal - an achievement many athletes can only dream of.

But Botn also dedicated his gold medal to late team-mate Sivert Guttorm Bakken who passed away in December.

Hours after his public admission of guilt, Lægreid admitted it was 'maybe' 'really selfish' of him 'to give that interview'.

And on February 11, Lægreid apologised to both his ex-girlfriend but also Botn in a statement shared by Norway's state broadcaster NRK stating his 'deep regret bringing up this personal story on what was a day of celebration for Norwegian biathlon'.

He continued: "I am not quite myself these days, and I am not thinking clearly. My apologies go to Johan-Olav, who deserved all the attention after winning gold."

Johan-Olav Botn took home the gold medal (Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

The athlete also apologised to his ex-girlfriend 'who unwillingly ended up in the media spotlight,' adding he hopes she is 'doing well'.

Indeed, his ex-girlfriend, who's remained anonymous, noted she 'did not choose to be put in this position'.

He resolved: "I cannot change what has happened, but I will now put this behind me and focus on the Olympics. I will not be answering any further questions about this."

Ah, the beauty of hindsight eh?