When the Norwegian athlete Sturla Holm Laegreid won a bronze medal in the 20km biathlon at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games on Feb. 10, he said he was having "the worst week of his life."
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The 28-year-old shared with the television station NRK that he "met the love of [his] life" several months before the Winter Olympic Games. He described the unnamed woman as "the most beautiful and kindest person in the world."
"Three months ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life and was unfaithful," he admitted. He told her about the affair "about a week ago."
Laegreid said he wanted to share the medal with her, but she likely wasn't watching the event. Well, she actually was, and we have her response to Laegreid's confession below.
Sturla Holm Laegreid and His Girlfriend Have Talked
Laegreid's ex-girlfriend, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke to Norwegian news outlet VG about the public confession. She first congratulated Laegreid and his teammate, Johan-Olav Bothn, on medaling.
However, she's not happy that a private matter has now been shared with the entire world. She adds that she is not ready to get back together with the athlete yet.
"It's hard to forgive," she said. "Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world."
She added, "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 Feels the World's Support
Laegreid's ex-girlfriend also thanked those who have helped her during this difficult time.
"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," she said.
When Laegried made his confession, he said he did so because of the pressure he felt after winning his medal.
"I try to be a good role model, and I did something stupid," he said. "You have to admit when you do something you can't stand for and hurt someone you love so much."
Yesterday's medal is the second overall medal for the Norwegian. He will compete again on Feb. 20 in the 15km mass start biathlon.
