Olympic medalist Sturla Holm Lægreid used his interview to beg for forgiveness for his infidelity. Photo: YouTube//Screenshot
Sturla Holm Lægreid won a bronze medal on Tuesday in the Men’s 20 kilometer Individual race in the Winter Olympics in Italy, but during his interview afterwards, he did something unusual: he confessed to cheating on his girlfriend.
Lægreid, who is 28, tearfully admitted his infidelity while speaking to a reporter from the Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
“There’s someone I wanted to share this with who might not be watching today,” he said. “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. I had a gold medal in my life. I only have eyes for her. I don’t know what I want to achieve by saying this… I wish I could share it with her.”
According to reports, Lægreid had been dating the woman for six months. The confession wasn’t the first time she was hearing of his indiscretion, though — he told her about it the week before his win. His very public confession was his way of owning up to his mistake. He went on to say that, “You have to admit when you do something you can’t stand for and hurt someone you love so much.”
Later in the interview, Lægreid said he was doing it in the hopes that she would take him back. “Because I am already hated by her, and I hope that maybe it can make her realize how much I love her,” he continued. “She’s probably still processing last week’s message, but I hope there’s light at the end of the tunnel for both of us. And that she can still love me.”
While the identity of the woman hasn’t been revealed and Lægreid’s honesty should be applauded, there’s a saying that comes to mind here: “Desperation is a poor cologne.”
