‘Social suicide’: Norwegian biathlete confesses cheating on girlfriend on live TV, sparks debate

Olympic bronze winner admits cheating on girlfriend live on TV. (Image: @tancredipalmeri/X)

An Olympic medal ceremony is usually a moment of pride and celebration after years of hard work. For Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid, however, his achievement in Milano-Cortina was followed by a deeply personal admission that few expected to hear on live television.

Just moments after securing bronze in the men’s 20km individual event at the ongoing Winter Olympics, the 28-year-old addressed Norwegian broadcaster NRK and confessed that he had cheated on his girlfriend. Instead of speaking only about his performance, Lægreid used the global spotlight to acknowledge what he described as the “biggest mistake” of his life.

Sturla Holm Laegreid is known as one of the best biathletes in the world, the World Cup winner took bronze in the individual 20km race for his first individual Olympic medal but decided to come out clean about his infidelity.

During a live interview Laegreid confessed to the cheating whilst acknowledging he was committing “social suicide” in an attempt to win his girlfriend back. “There's someone I wanted to share it with who might not be watching today,” Laegreid spoke unprompted before adding, “Six months ago I met the love of my life - the most beautiful and kindest person in the world. Three months ago, I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her.”

“I had the gold medal in life, 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,” he said, sobbing.

Lægreid was visibly emotional during the interview. Rather than focusing only on his Olympic result, he spoke about regret and his hope that his honesty might repair the damage caused to his relationship.

In another interview with a Norwegian outlet, Laegreid said he was not ready to give up on his relationship and that he regretted his earlier decision. He explained, “I hope that committing social suicide might show how much I love her. I'm taking the consequences for what I've done. I regret it with all my heart.”

Later, when asked about his admission during a news conference, he said, “I don't know if it was the right choice or not, but it was the choice I made. I made the choice to tell the world what I did so maybe there's a chance she will see what she really means to me - maybe not, but I don't want to think I didn't try everything to get her back.”

The interview spread rapidly across social media, where reactions were mixed. One user said, “Put this in the post-race interview hall of fame.” Another user added, “Call me old fashioned but I don’t think telling the world you cheated on your girlfriend right after you win an Olympic medal is the best idea.”

Well, something unprecedented in history of sports.

Norway biathlon gold medal Sturla Lægreid in front of camera breaks down: “I cheated on the love of my life. I met her 6 months ago, and 3 months ago I did the mistake of my life”#MilanoCortina2026pic.twitter.com/X7NPWLl48b — Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) February 10, 2026

“I don't condone his actions, but I certainly admire his humility to admit his mistake to the entire world and then offer such a sincere apology,” said one user while another added, “Wouldn't it have been stronger to simply say, I want to also share this with someone really special who encouraged me and I messed up in the biggest way and I'm sorry, rather than spelling out his devastation.”

Another commented, “Crying after the medal does not undo the choice before it. Accountability is not tears it is changed behaviour. If he means it the work starts off camera.”

One more said, “Well obviously he didn't have eyes only for his girlfriend. If he supposedly loved her that much and cheated, what happens when they disagree or fight? I would never trust someone like him.”