Laegreid apologizes after Olympic confession overshadows Norway’s gold
The snow had barely settled in Cortina when Norway’s latest Olympic triumph became something else entirely.
Johan-Olav Botn’s gold medal in the men’s 20km individual a demanding biathlon race that combines cross-country skiing with precision rifle shooting was meant to stand as another milestone for a nation that has long dominated the sport. Instead, much of the focus in the hours and days that followed centered on his teammate.
Sturla Holm Laegreid, 27, took bronze his first individual Olympic medal and another achievement in a career that already includes World Cup victories and relay success. But moments after leaving the podium, visibly emotional during a live television interview, he described it as “the worst week of his life,” revealing that his relationship had ended because of his infidelity.
The admission quickly overshadowed the celebration.
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Botn had dedicated his victory to former Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who died in December. As he crossed the finish line, Botn shouted Bakken’s name a tribute that resonated deeply within Norway’s close-knit winter sports community.
That tribute, however, soon shared headlines with Laegreid’s personal disclosure.
A Second Apology
In remarks published Wednesday by Norway’s state broadcaster NRK, Laegreid acknowledged that his timing had been misplaced.
“I deeply regret bringing up this personal story on what was a day of celebration for Norwegian biathlon,” he told NRK.
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He said he had not been thinking clearly and apologized directly to Botn, noting that the gold medallist “deserved all the attention.” He also expressed regret that his former partner had been drawn into public scrutiny.
“I cannot change what has happened, but I will now put this behind me and focus on the Olympics,” he said, adding that he would not comment further.
Reaction at Home
The story has generated significant discussion in Norway, where Olympic biathlon success is both expected and closely followed.
Laegreid’s former partner, writing anonymously in Norwegian newspaper VG, said she “did not choose to be put in this position.”
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“It’s hard to forgive. Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world,” she wrote. She added that the two had been in contact and that he was aware of her feelings.
Speaking earlier at a news conference, Laegreid said he hoped he had not “ruined” his teammate’s moment but maintained: “I stand by my choice.”
Former teammate Johannes Thingnes Boe, a five-time Olympic gold medallist and one of the sport’s most decorated figures, was blunt in his assessment, telling NRK that Laegreid was “completely wrong.”
For Norway, where biathlon medals are often a source of national pride, the episode has served as a reminder that the Olympic spotlight can amplify personal decisions as quickly as athletic success.
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Sources: NRK, VG
