Why Norwegian biathlon Olympian said he's having 'the worst week of his life' despite winning bronze

Why Norwegian biathlon Olympian said he's having 'the worst week of his life' despite winning bronze originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Well, the biathlon in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan took an unexpected twist. Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid won the bronze medal in the event, finishing in third behind Johan-Olav Botn and Eric Perro. 

In a bizarre post-event interview, Laegreid told reporters he was "having the worst week of his life" because he told his girlfriend that he had an affair. 

To put it plainly, it was not your typical post-Olympic interview. Here's everything to know about the strange moment after the biathlon. 

MORE 2026 OLYMPICS: Live medal tracker | Viewer's guide | Day-by-day schedule

Norwegian biathlon Olympian reveals affair after winning bronze

Just moments after standing on the podium to accept the bronze medal, Laegreid revealed to the Norwegian Broadcasting Company, which goes by NRK, that he had just told his girlfriend last week that he had an affair. 

“There is something I want to share with someone who may not be watching today,” Laegreid said as transcribed by The Guardian. “Half a year ago I met the love of my life. The world’s most beautiful and nicest person. Three months ago I made the mistake of my life and cheated on her, and I told her about that a week ago. This has been the worst week of my life.”

“I had the gold medal in life," he continued. "And I am sure there are many people who will see things differently, but I only have eyes for her. Sport has come second these last few days. Yes, I wish I could share this with her.”

Here is video of the interview, although it is entirely conducted in Norwegian: 

Norsk OS-intervju tog en oväntad vändning

Efter att ha tagit brons i skidskyttarnas första individuella OS gren, bakom lagkamraten Johan Olav Botn och fransmannen Éric Perrot, stod Sturla Holm Lægreid för en oväntat känslosam intervju.
Den 28 år gamla norrmannen träffade 19 av… pic.twitter.com/vrs65Ncxd9

— Existenz.se (@Existenzse) February 10, 2026

According to The Guardian, Laegreid is asked how he was able to finish in third despite the emotional week. 

“I try to be a good role model and I did something stupid," Leagrid said. "I got a nice video from the club at home and I used that as motivation today. As I said I want to be a good role model but I have to admit when I get something wrong. You have to admit when you do something you can’t stand for and hurt someone you love so much.”

Laegrid is scheduled to participate in the men's 15k mass start on Feb. 20. 

Who is Sturla Holm Laegreid's girlfriend?

The identity of Laegrid's presumed now ex-girlfriend is not publicly known at this time. Given Laegreid publicly admitting to the affair, it'll be interesting if her identity will remain private.  

Who is Sturla Holm Laegreid?

Laegrid is a biathlete who represents Norway. At 28 years old. Laegrid has won 16 medals across his career, including a gold in 2022 for the biathlon relay. He has also won seven gold medals in World Championships, including a gold in the team relay he won just last year. 

He first competed for Norway in 2018 for the Biathlon in the Junior World Championships.