Norwegian Biathlete Sturla Holm Läggried Apologizes After Winning Bronze

Sturla Holm Läggried, a biathlete from Norway, expressed regret after claiming a bronze medal at the Milan-Cortina Olympics. She opened up about a personal matter involving infidelity with her ex-girlfriend, which overshadowed her achievement.

“I really regret discussing this personal issue on such a significant day for me,” Läggried stated in a message released by the Norwegian team. She acknowledged feeling out of sorts lately, adding, “I apologize to Johan Olaf Botton, who has been in the spotlight after winning gold, as well as to my ex-girlfriend, who never asked for this media attention. I hope she’s okay. We can’t change what happened, but I’ll focus now on the Olympics and won’t discuss this further.”

Läggried’s admittance of her affair became one of the most talked-about topics following Tuesday’s men’s biathlon race, a moment that left her in tears. She referred to cheating as the “biggest mistake” of her life.

In an emotional interview with Norway’s NRK, she recalled, “Six months ago, I met the love of my life, the sweetest person. But three months back, I made the biggest mistake by cheating on her.”

The atmosphere was heavy at the press conference where she had gathered her thoughts to explain why she decided to go public with her situation. “That was my choice. We all face different choices in life. By sharing my story today, I hope she can understand what she meant to me, although maybe she won’t,” she added, acknowledging the emotional turmoil of the past week.

Läggried revealed, “I told her about it a week ago. It was the worst week of my life.” The race left her distraught, and she was seen crying and embracing friends afterward.

As for sports in her life, Läggried noted that things had shifted in recent days. “There are probably many who see me differently now, but my focus is still on her. I wish I could share this situation with her,” she reflected.

In an anonymous chat with a Norwegian news agency, her ex-girlfriend shared that she wasn’t considering a reconciliation.

Läggried concluded her statement with thanks to her family and friends for their support during this challenging time, emphasizing her appreciation for those who empathized with her without knowing her story.