Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid said he "deeply regrets" revealing his affair during a live broadcast of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics this week.

Laegreid admitted to cheating his now ex-girlfriend during an on-air interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK after winning the bronze medal in the 20km biathlon on Tuesday (February 10).

“I deeply regret that I brought up this personal story on what was a day of celebration for Norwegian biathlon. I am not quite myself today, and I am not thinking clearly. My apologies go to Johan-Olav, who deserved all the attention after the gold,” Laegreid said in a statement obtained by the New York Post. “It also goes to my ex-girlfriend, who involuntarily ended up in the media spotlight, I hope she is doing well. I cannot change this but I will now put this behind me and focus on the Olympics. I will not answer any further questions about this.”

Laegreid described the "worst week of [his] life" after his third-place finish during the post-race interview.

“Six months ago, I met the love of my life and the most beautiful and kindest person in the world,” he said. “Three months ago, I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her.”

Laegreid said he admitted to the affair to his ex-girlfriend one week prior and he hadn't "got any reactions from" her since.

“I am happy because maybe she has not seen it and maybe she will see it at the right time,” Laegreid said. “I hope I don’t make it worse for her. Maybe it can help. I don’t know. We will see. “I hope there’s light at the end of the tunnel for both of us and that she can still love me,” he added.

Laegried's ex-girlfriend, who remained anonymous, issued a statement to the Norwegian tabloid VG in response to the incident.

“It’s hard to forgive. Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world," she said.

“I did not choose to be put in this position, and it hurts to have to be in it,” she added. “We have had contact, and he is aware of my opinions on this. “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 sympathised, without knowing who I am.”

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