The Olympic bronze medallist who confessed to cheating on his girlfriend has apologised again as the woman at the centre of the global news story speaks out on her pain, shooting down his hopes of a reconciliation.
Sturla Holm Laegreid, one of Norway’s top biathletes, won bronze in the 20km individual race on Tuesday but was full of remorse when he spoke to national broadcaster NRK straight afterwards at the Winter Olympics.
“Six months ago I met the love of my life. The world’s most beautiful, sweetest person. And three months ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life and cheated on her,” Laegreid said, fighting back tears.
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He said he told his partner a week ago about what had happened.
“I’m sure many people now see me in a different light, but I only have eyes for her,” he said.
“I’m not quite sure what I’m trying to say by saying this now, but sport has taken a back seat in recent days. I wish I could share this with her.”
Norwegian outlet VG has now spoken to the ex-girlfriend, who has shared a brief statement while remaining anonymous.
“It’s hard to forgive (him). Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world,” VG quoted her as saying.
“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.”
Sturla Holm Laegreid confessed his affair on live TV after winning bronze. Credit: AAP The Norwegian Olympic team also issued a new statement attributed to Laegreid, whose interview overshadowed teammate Johan-Olav Botn’s gold medal.
“I deeply regret sharing this personal story on what was a day of celebration for Norwegian biathlon,” Laegreid said.
“I am not quite myself these days, and not thinking clearly. My apologies go to Johan-Olav, who deserved all the attention after winning gold.
“They also go to my ex-girlfriend, who unwillingly ended up in the media spotlight. I hope she is doing well.
“I cannot undo this but I will now put it behind me and focus on the Olympics. I will not answer any further questions about this.”
Botn shot perfectly in his Olympic debut to secure the gold medal while Eric Perrot of France, the overall World Cup leader, missed one shot and finished 14.8 seconds behind Botn to take silver.
Laegreid also missed on target and was 48.3 seconds behind, taking the bronze.
It was Laegreid’s first individual Olympic medal. He was part of the relay team that took gold at the Beijing Olympics.
But instead of celebrating, he was distraught, crying and hugging friends, after the race.
Sturla Holm Laegreid (right) admitted he upstaged his gold medal-winning teammate Johan-Olav Botn with the interview. Credit: AAP During a news conference he explained why he decided to tell the world about his personal situation on the TV broadcast.
“It was the choice I made. We make different choices during our life and that’s how we make life,” he told a room full of journalists.
“So today I made a choice to tell the world what I did, so maybe, maybe there is a chance she will see what she really means to me. Maybe not.”
He said he felt bad about upstaging his teammate with his deeply personal news.
“Now I hope I didn’t ruin Johan’s day,” he said.
“Maybe it was really selfish of me to give that interview. I’m not really here, mentally.”
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