Former Partner of Norwegian Biathlete Addresses Public Apology for Affair
The former girlfriend of Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid has responded to his emotional public apology for having an affair, revealing that it "is hard to forgive" his actions despite his heartfelt declaration broadcast to the world. This personal drama unfolded during the Winter Olympics, casting a shadow over Lægreid's sporting achievements.
Bronze Medal Win Overshadowed by Personal Confession
After securing a bronze medal in the individual 20km biathlon event on Tuesday, Lægreid unexpectedly opened up about what he described as the "hardest week of my life." In a televised interview, the athlete confessed: "Half a year ago I met the love of my life. The world's most beautiful and nicest person. Three months ago I made the mistake of my life and cheated on her, and I told her about that a week ago. This has been the worst week of my life."
Ex-Girlfriend's Candid Response to Very Public Apology
The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, wrote to the Norwegian newspaper VG expressing her complex feelings about the situation. She stated: "It is hard to forgive, even after such a public declaration of love in front of the whole world. I have not asked to be put in this position and it is hard to be there. We have had contact and he knows my feelings about this."
She extended gratitude to her support network, saying: "My family and my friends who have embraced me and supported me during this – and to all others who have thought about me and sympathised with me, without knowing who I am."
Timing of Apology Draws Criticism and Further Regret
Lægreid's decision to reveal his personal turmoil on what should have been a celebratory day for Norwegian biathlon has attracted significant criticism. The athlete himself acknowledged this misjudgment late on Tuesday, stating: "I sincerely apologise for revealing this personal story on a happy day for Norwegian biathlon. I am not myself and not thinking clearly."
He specifically addressed his apology to two parties: "The apology goes to Johan-Olav who deserved to have all the attention after his gold. And it goes to my former girlfriend, who has been put in the media spotlight without her wish, I hope she is doing OK. I can't redo this, but I want to put it behind me and focus on the Olympics. I will not make any further comments about it."
Sporting Achievement Overshadowed by Personal Drama
Despite being one of the world's premier biathletes – with a gold medal from the Beijing relay four years ago and an impressive collection of 14 world championship medals – Lægreid's personal confession has dominated headlines. His former girlfriend pointed out that Tuesday should have primarily honoured Sivert Guttorm Bakken, the Norwegian biathlete who died just before Christmas last year.
She noted: "It was moving to see how Sivert was included in the victory," referring to how race winner Johan-Olav Botn shouted "we did it Sivert!" into television cameras after crossing the finish line. This poignant moment highlighted how personal stories can intersect with sporting triumphs in unexpected ways during major international competitions.
