Olympic medalist confesses to cheating on girlfriend on live TV after winning podium spot

An Olympian made a shocking admission as he was being interviewed after winning a bronze medal.

Norweigan Sturla Holm Lægreid had claimed the bronze in the biathlon, which involves cross-country skiing and shooting.

But while most people would be overjoyed to be immortalized as an Olympic medallist, Lægreid appeared less than pleased during his interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK after his success.

And no, it wasn't because he was disappointed that he hadn't been able to claim silver or gold.

Breaking down during his interview with the news outlet, Lægreid told the broadcaster that his bronze medal felt hollow because of a mistake that he had made three months earlier, which meant that he would not be able to share the success with someone important to him.

He took home the bronze (Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

The 28-year-old explained that three months earlier he had cheated on his girlfriend, who he didn't name in the interview.

"There's someone I wanted to share this with who might not be watching today," he said.

"Six months ago, I met the love of my life and the most beautiful and kindest person in the world. And three months ago I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her."

He explained that he had already told her about the affair around a week earlier.

"I had a gold medal in my life...I only have eyes for her," he said. "I don't know what I want to achieve by saying this, but sports have been in a different line in recent days. So I wish I could share it with her."

Biathlon involves a combination of skiing and shooting (Kevin Voigt/GettyImages)

Explaining why he had decided to share his infidelity so publicly, he said: "You have to admit when you do something you can't stand for, and hurt someone you love so much."

He added that he wanted to be a 'good role model' and that he should 'admit when I make mistakes'.

After taking a moment to compose himself, he said: "I am willing to drop a nuclear bomb on NRK and commit social suicide and be hated by everyone. Because I am already hated by her, and I hope that maybe it can make her realise how much I love her."

Lægreid's teammate Johannes Dale-Skjevdal told the news outlet that he had previously told him about the affair.

He told NRK: "We have known that, yes. 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."