Olympian who admitted to cheating on girlfriend on live TV was banned from major event over controversial incident

The Olympian who went viral this week for admitting to cheating on his girlfriend live on air was previously banned from the Biathlon World Cup following a separate incident.

Yesterday (10 February) Norwegian Olympian Sturla Holm Lægreid made headlines around the world after winning a bronze medal in the men's 20km Individual race in the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina.

However, his victory was overshadowed by his emotion as in his post-race interview, he decided to use the opportunity for a dramatic love declaration.

Lægreid, 28, got emotional while chatting to Norwegian broadcaster NRK and confessed his infidelity, revealing his hopes that doing so might win back his ex-girlfriend's affection.

He confessed: "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."

After winning a bronze medal, Sturla Holm Lægreid told the world he had cheated on his girlfriend (Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Beginning to cry, he continued: "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."

The controversial admission has landed the biathlete in the limelight - and some social media users have uncovered an incident that occurred during the Biathlon World Cup in 2023.

In the wake of the reports, one X user penned: "The very same athlete was banned in 2023 from the Biathlon World Cup because he accidentally fired his competition rifle in his hotel room."

As reported by The Sun, Lægreid was disqualified from the competition after he broke International Biathlon Union safety regulations by firing a gun in the athletes' hotel.

For those unfamiliar, biathlon is a winter sport that sees competitors combine cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.

While preparing for the event in December 2023, the sportsman accidentally discharged his rifle in the team hotel in Switzerland instead of performing the required safety check without live rounds.

No one was injured in the incident, however Lægreid was disqualified from the competition.

As per Biathlon World, at the time, Lægreid said: "I am deeply sorry for this incident, and strongly apologise to the whole biathlon family, my teammates, and the hotel owner for what happened. This is a brutal reminder for me and for all biathlon athletes - how important safety routines truly are."

The incident took place during the 2023 Biathlon World Cup (Kevin Voigt/GettyImages)

As for the latest viral moment, Lægreid's ex-girlfriend has actually responded to his public statement - and it's not looking good.

In a new interview, the mystery woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, told Norwegian newspaper VG: "Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world, it's hard to forgive.

"I did not choose to be put in this position, and it hurts to have to be in it. We have had contact and he is aware of my opinions on this."

She added that she wanted to express gratitude 'to my family and friends who have embraced me and supported me during this time. Also to everyone else who has thought of me and sympathised, without knowing who I am'.

So, it's looking like reconciliation isn't on the cards just yet...