Olympic athlete admits to cheating on girlfriend after medal win

Moments after securing himself a bronze medal, a Norwegian athlete confessed to an illicit affair behind his girlfriend's back.

Sturla Holm Laegreid has long been considered a front-runner for this year's winter games, which are spread across both Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo and feature athletes from almost every nation competing in 16 different sports.

These include bobsleigh, curling, ice hockey, the luge, speed skating, ski jumping and 20km individual biathlon - the latter category in which 28-year-old Laegreid competes.

For those unfamiliar, it combines cross-country skiing with rifle marksmanship and is often regarded as one of the most arduous Olympic events.

Taking to the slopes yesterday (10 Feb), Laegreid came in third behind fellow Norwegian, Johan-Olav Botn in 1st, and Eric Perrot of France in 2nd, bagging himself a prestigious bronze medal - his first individual accolade.

Chatting to attending press moments after his achievement, however, the athlete suddenly became emotional, opening up on what he described as his 'biggest mistake'.

Sturla Holm Laegreid came in third while Johan-Olav Botn bagged first in the individual biathlon event (Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Breaking down in tears, Laegreid admitted to having cheated on his girlfriend three months earlier - news he only recently broke to her himself.

"There's someone I wanted to share it with who might not be watching," he told local Norwegian broadcaster NRK.

Of his other half, he said: "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."

Laegreid went on to cry: "Sport has come second these last few days. Yes, I wish I could share this with her."

The Olympian also told Norwegian newspaper VG: "My only way to solve it is to tell everything and put everything on the table, and hope that she can still love me. I've done that for her, and now for the whole world. I have nothing to lose."

The Norwegian athlete admitted to cheating on his girlfriend, whom he described as being 'the love of his life' (NRK TV)

Laegreid - a seven-time world champion - continued: "I want to be a good role model, but I have to admit when I make mistakes."

During a press conference later the same day, he told reporters that he hoped his outburst hadn't affected the gold medal winner's crowning moment.

"Of course, now I hope I didn't ruin Johan's day," Laegreid continued. "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.

"I don't want to steal the show. I hope this is just like a day-or-two thing. Then you are an Olympic gold medallist forever."

Johannes Thingnes Boe also discussed Laegreid's remarks, slamming the timing as being 'all wrong'.

"It came as a complete surprise," the champion continued. "His action was wrong - we saw a repentant lad standing there. Unfortunately, the time, place and timing are all wrong."