The partner of the Olympian who admitted to cheating in a bizarre confession after winning a medal at the Winter Games has responded.
Representing Norway, Sturla Holm Laegreid won bronze as a biathlete in the men's 20km individual race, finishing behind Eric Perrot of France and compatriot Johan-Olav Botn.
He struggled to fight back tears after the incredible achievement. However, the triumph was seemingly not the driving force behind his emotional interview.
Incredibly, Laegreid admitted to cheating on his girlfriend three months ago live on TV, calling it "the biggest mistake" as he expressed regret over not being able to share the moment with her.
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Speaking to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, via the Daily Mail, Laegreid explained: "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."
The 28-year-old added that he didn't know "what I want to achieve by saying this, but sports have been in a different line in recent days" and that he didn't think he would "get another chance at true love as I had with her."
Laegreid revealed that he had spoken this teammates about making the admission so publicly and made the decision the night before, claiming he "had a kind of revelation that I should drop this bomb".
He also stated he was "willing to drop a nuclear bomb on NRK and commit social suicide and be hated by everyone" if it made his girlfriend "realise how much I love her".
Laegreid did not name the woman and she has continued to remain a mystery. However, she has commented anonymously to Norwegian newspaper VG and does not appear ready to patch things up even with the attempts to do so.
"Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world, it's hard to forgive," she wrote.
"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."
Following up, the woman thanked "family and friends who have embraced me and supported me during this time" and expressed gratitude to "everyone else who has thought of me and sympathized, without knowing who I am".
When approached for comment by VG, Laegreid said he "deeply regretted" bringing up "this personal story on what was a joyous day for Norwegian biathlon" and added that he was "not thinking clearly".
Speaking to media in Italy, Laegreid, who refused to name the name the woman, said he hoped he didn't "make anything worse for her" but was hopeful of a "happy ending".
Later on the biathlete acknowledged that "maybe it was really selfish of me to give that interview".
Topics: Olympics
Josh Lawless