Featured Image Credit: Harry How/Getty
Topics: Olympics, Sport, Sex and Relationships
Emily Brown
The former girlfriend of Norweigan Olympian Sturla Holm Lægreid has responded after the biathlon medal winner admitted to cheating on her live on air.
Lægreid made headlines after he made it to the podium at the 2026 Winter Olympics on February 10, but while his bronze medal is nothing to sniff at, it wasn't the main reason he was receiving attention.
Speaking to Norwegian broadcaster NRK after his win, Lægreid admitted to having been unfaithful to his former girlfriend, saying: "There's someone I wanted to share this with who might not be watching today.
"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."
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While his announcement to the world came on Tuesday, his ex actually learned of his infidelity just before the Olympics kicked off in Italy.
In response to the 28-year-old's confession, his ex has now responded in an interview with VG in which she requested to stay anonymous.
In a written message to the publication, she first congratulated Lægreid's teammate, Johan-Olav Botn, for winning the gold in the biathlon before turning her attention to the declaration her former boyfriend had made on TV.
Addressing the situation, she said: "It's hard to forgive. Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world."
The ex went on to say she 'did not choose to be put in this position', adding: "It hurts to have to be in it. We have had contact and he is aware of my opinions on this."
She shared her thanks to those who had supported her in the breakdown of her relationship, adding: "To my family and friends who have embraced me and supported me during this time. Also to everyone else who has thought of me and sympathized, without knowing who I am."
Lægreid explained on TV why he had decided to share his actions so publicly, saying: "You have to admit when you do something you can't stand for, and hurt someone you love so much.
"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 realize how much I love her."
Speaking after his initial bombshell, Lægreid admitted he didn't know if speaking so publicly was 'the right choice or not', but he accepted it's the choice 'he made'.