The ex-girlfriend of Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid — who admitted survive television to being unfaithful of their relationship — has responded to his plea for forgiveness.
His ex-girlfriend, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to Norwegian tabloid VG, said it’s going to be “hard to forgive” Laegreid for his actions and for selecting to publicly air his indiscretions.
“I didn’t decide to be put on this position, and it hurts to should be in it,” she told the publication.
“Now we have had contact, and he’s aware of my opinions on this,” she added.
VG said it had contacted Laegreid for comment, but he didn’t wish to answer his ex-girlfriend.
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Laegreid, a world champion biathlete and Olympic medallist, revealed shortly after ending third within the biathlon — on live TV — that he had cheated on his now-ex-girlfriend three months into their six-month relationship.
“Six months ago, I met the love of my life — essentially the most beautiful and kindest person on the planet. Three months ago, I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her,” he said.
Sturla Holm Laegreid, of Norway, reacts after he won bronze in the boys’s 20-kilometre individual biathlon race on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Anterselva, Italy, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026.
AP Photo/Andrew Medichini
Laegreid said Tuesday that he told his former girlfriend about his affair every week ago.
In her statement to the Norwegian outlet, she thanked those that had supported her since Laegreid’s revelation.
“To my family and friends who’ve embraced me and supported me during this time… also to everyone else who has considered me and sympathized, without knowing who I’m,” she said.
In a press conference shortly after his admission and bronze medal win, Laegreid told reporters he hoped he hadn’t ruined fellow teammate and gold medallist Johan-Olav Botn’s day.
“I don’t know if it was the best alternative or not, nevertheless it was the alternative I made,” he said. “I made the alternative to inform the world what I did so perhaps there’s a likelihood she’s going to see what she really means to me — perhaps not, but I don’t need to think I didn’t try all the things to get her back.”
On Wednesday, Laegreid said he mustn’t have used the moment to centre personal issues.
“I deeply regret sharing this personal story on what was a day of celebration for Norwegian biathlon,” he said in a press release issued by the Norwegian team.
“I’m not quite myself today, and never pondering clearly,” he said.
“My apologies go to Johan-Olav, who deserved all the eye after winning gold. Additionally they go to my ex-girlfriend, who unwillingly ended up within the media highlight. I hope she is doing well. I cannot undo this, but I’ll now put it behind me and deal with the Olympics. I is not going to answer any further questions on this,” his statement concluded.
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