After his first medal win, the Norwegian athlete revealed in a live broadcast that he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend and hoped to win her back.
WASHINGTON — Strula Holm Laegreid of Norway won a bronze medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics on Friday in the men’s sprint biathlon race — three days after making an unexpected confession during a post-race interview.
Laegreid also won bronze in the 20-kilometer individual race on Tuesday, but revealed in a live broadcast that he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend and hoped to win her back.
His tearful confession was criticized by some who said it took the focus away from teammate Johan-Olav Botn, who won the gold medal in that event.
“I deeply regret sharing this personal story on what was a day of celebration for Norwegian biathlon,” Laegreid said in a statement issued by the Norwegian team on Wednesday.
Quentin Fillon Maillet of France won Friday’s sprint race — his second gold of the Milan Cortina Games after the mixed relay — and Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen of Norway took silver.
“I am not quite myself these days, and not thinking clearly,” he said on Wednesday. “My apologies go to Johan-Olav, who deserved all the attention after winning gold. They also go to my ex-girlfriend, who unwillingly ended up in the media spotlight. I hope she is doing well. I cannot undo this, but I will now put it behind me and focus on the Olympics. I will not answer any further questions about this.”
Norwegian newspaper VG said it had been in contact with Laegreid’s ex-girlfriend who appeared unmoved by his remorseful comments on live TV.
“It’s hard to forgive (him). Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world,” VG quoted her as saying. “I didn’t choose to be put in this position, and it’s painful to have to endure it. We’ve been in contact, and he’s aware of my feelings about this.”
The newspaper didn’t name her, saying she wasn’t looking for the attention and wanted to remain anonymous.
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