Norwegian Olympian 'regrets' TV cheating confession as ex-girlfriend hits back

Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid is now wishing he kept his post-race interview strictly about sport. 

After confessing on live TV that he cheated on his girlfriend, the bronze medallist has issued a public apology, saying he “deeply regret[s] sharing this personal story on what was a day of celebration for Norwegian biathlon". 

“I am not quite myself these days, and not thinking clearly,” he said in a statement released by the Norwegian team.

He apologised to gold medallist teammate Johan-Olav Botn, who many felt had his moment overshadowed. Botn was overcome with emotion after his victory, and dedicated it to his friend and teammate Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who died in December. 

Lægreid also apologised to his ex-girlfriend, who he said “unwillingly ended up in the media spotlight". 

“I hope she is doing well. I cannot undo this,” he said. “I will now put it behind me and focus on the Olympics. I will not answer any further questions about this.” 

According to Norwegian newspaper VG, his former partner isn’t exactly moved by the grand gesture.

“It's hard to forgive [him]. Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world,” she said. “I didn’t choose to be put in this position, and it’s painful to have to endure it. We’ve been in contact, and he’s aware of my feelings about this.” 

The whole saga kicked off after Lægreid won bronze in the 20km biathlon and stunned viewers by admitting: “Half a year ago, I met the love of my life… and three months ago I made the biggest mistake of my life and cheated on her.” 

“Maybe I ruined myself now to get her back,” he added.

Ex-athletes have come out and criticised Lægreid’s gesture. Norwegian biathlon great Johannes Thingnes Boe said “both the time and place” were “completely wrong”. 

Retired German biathlete Erik Lesser said it’s important to “concentrate back on the sport.”

Fair to say, this one’s heading straight to the “things you don’t say on live TV” manual.