Olympian who confessed to cheating on girlfriend on live TV admits he learned lesson from 'atomic bomb' interview
Norwegian athlete Sturla Holm Lægreid has admitted that he's learnt his lesson after confessing to cheating on his girlfriend after winning bronze at the Winter Olympics.
Last week the biathlete went viral after he went in-front of the cameras and told the world that he'd cheated on the 'love of his life' three months ago.
"There's someone I wanted to share this with who might not be watching today," he told Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
"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."
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Lægreid's desperate attempt at winning back his ex-girlfriend has since been viewed numerous times around the world, meaning the 28-year-old's four medals have been thoroughly overshadowed by his relationship woes.
Lægreid has issued a new update on the fallout from his revelation, admitting that he has learnt his lesson when it comes to airing out his dirty laundry on international TV.
"After my atomic bomb in the mixed zone [about his cheating], I feel like I need to really watch what I’m saying, because now, now that every statement from me can become clickbait," he told Reuters after winning silver in the men's relay yesterday.
Lægreid's cheating admission wasn't the only gaffe the Norwegian made, with a misfired joke at French athlete Emilien Jacquelin leading to further backlash heading his way.
"It’s just joking with each other," Lægreid said of the incident, after initially suggesting the Frenchman didn't stop to greet fans.
"I know a lot of French fangirls of Emilien are mad, but as long as there are still good vibes between me and him, that’s what matters."
While all appears to be well between Lægreid and his French counterpart, the biathlete is probably not holding his breath for a reunion with the wronged ex-girlfriend, who previously broken her silence on the incident – and it doesn't seem like the grand gesture had won her over.
"Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world, it's hard to forgive," she told Norwegian outlet VG.
"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 went on to share her 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 sympathized, without knowing who I am'
Lægreid has since apologised to his former partner and teammate Johan-Olav Botn, who won gold on the day of his admission, for the reaction to his words.
"I deeply regret bringing up this personal story on what was a day of celebration for Norwegian biathlon," Laegreid told NRK. "I am not quite myself these days, and I am not thinking clearly.
"My apologies go to Johan-Olav, who deserved all the attention after winning gold. My apologies also go to my ex-girlfriend, who unwillingly ended up in the media spotlight. I hope she is doing well.
"I cannot change what has happened, but I will now put this behind me and focus on the Olympics. I will not be answering any further questions about this."
Topics: Winter Olympics, Olympics, Sport
Brenna Cooper