A Norwegian Olympian has confessed to cheating on his girlfriend after winning a bronze medal in an emotional interview on live TV.
Sturla Holm Lægreid bagged the medal on Tuesday after completing the Men's 20km Individual race in the Winter Olympics in Italy.
Instead of celebrating, he was reduced to tears in a live TV interview, admitting to cheating on his girlfriend of six months, the “love of his life”.
In an interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Lægreid said, “There's someone I wanted to share this with who might not be watching today.
“Six months ago, I met the love of my life and the most beautiful and kindest person in the world. And three months ago, I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her.”
He went on to reveal that he had confessed his infidelity to his former girlfriend a week ago, prompting “the worst week” of his life.
“I had a gold medal in my life...I only have eyes for her. I don't know what I want to achieve by saying this...I wish I could share it with her,” he shared.
He went on to say he intended to be a “good role model,” but said, “I have to admit when I make mistakes”.
“You have to admit when you do something you can't stand for, and hurt someone you love so much.”
In a display of humility, Lægreid said he was willing to drop a proverbial “nuclear bomb” during the interview if it stood the chance of him getting his former girlfriend back.
“Because I am already hated by her, and I hope that maybe it can make her realise how much I love her,” he explained.
He did not identify his girlfriend’s name on camera, but went on to say, “She's probably still processing last week's message, but I hope there's light at the end of the tunnel for both of us. And that she can still love me.”
He justified his decision to reveal this on television by saying, “Last night I had a kind of revelation that I should drop this bomb...Then we'll see what happens. I have nothing to lose.”
The Olympian’s confession came after triumphantly winning his first-ever bronze medal in the tense Men's 20km individual biathlon race at the Antholz-Anterselva Biathlon Arena on Tuesday.
The gold medal was bagged by his compatriot, Johan-Olav Botn, and the silver was taken by Eric Perrot of France.
