Olympic Medalist Admits to Cheating on Girlfriend

Image courtesy of Cosmopolitan.

By Madeleine Gregg

On February 10, 2026, Norwegian athlete Sturla Holm Laegreid won a bronze medal in the biathlon 20 km race at the Winter Olympics in Milan. However, he was about to have a greater loss. Following his win, Laegreid unexpectedly admitted to cheating on his now ex-girlfriend, saying, “Six months ago, I met the love of my life—the most beautiful and kindest person of this world. Three months ago, I made the biggest mistake and cheated on her.”

Lagegreid confessed privately to his girlfriend a week prior to his public confession. Unfortunately for him, though, it does not look like his girlfriend will forgive him anytime soon. Not only is she hurt by his infidelity, but she also feels like she is in an awkward position now that the news is out in the world. “It’s hard to forgive,” she stated, choosing to remain anonymous. “Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world. I did not choose to be in this position, and it hurts to have to be in it.” 

While some may see this as a grand romantic gesture and an ultimate proof of love, most public reactions to his confession have been negative. They claim that it was poor timing for Lagegreid to expose himself on live TV. Some have also accused him of using this as a manipulative tactic against his ex-girlfriend. One X user posted, “Not him manipulating her on national television.” Another user called it “love-bombing behavior.” 

After reflecting on his actions, Lagegreid concluded that they were indeed inappropriate, as he regrets sharing something so personal on TV. He publicly apologized to his ex-girlfriend and his teammate, Johan-Olav, who won a gold medal and had the spotlight taken away from him by Lagegreid’s confession. Lagegreid stated, “I cannot undo this, but I will now put it behind me and focus on the Olympics.”

Following his apology, some people may forgive and forget. However, others may still view him as a cheater. Lagegreid and his team can move on, but the memory of this drama will undoubtedly stay in his mind and heart.