Olympic Medalist Sturla Holm Laegreid Labeled 'Manipulative' As 'Hurt' Ex Reacts To Viral Cheating Confession

Norwegian Olympic medalist Sturla Holm Laegreid caused quite a stir when he announced that he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend during his victory speech.

The unidentified woman has now spoken up, saying it's "hard to forgive" him while also blasting him for bringing their private heartbreak to the public space.

Sturla Holm Laegreid noted that he confessed to her about a week before coming out publicly, but she remained mute and insisted on distancing herself from him.

Norwegian biathlon star Sturla Holm Laegreid raised eyebrows on Tuesday when he used his bronze-medal interview to tearfully confess to an affair, after finishing 3rd place at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

However, the woman at the center of the event's most startling personal drama has finally broken her silence.

Speaking via a statement with Norwegian outlet VG, Laegreid's ex-girlfriend, who chose to remain anonymous, made it clear that such a public declaration of love doesn't erase the pain of betrayal.

"It's hard to forgive. Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world," she told the news outlet on Wednesday, going further to slam the sports star for putting their personal issues out in public.

"I did not choose to be put in this position, and it hurts to have to be in it," she added, per the New York Post. "We have had contact, and he is aware of my opinions on this."

Behind closed doors, it has obviously been a difficult time for the pair, with Laegreid profusely tearing up on live TV while noting it has been "the worst week of my life," despite finishing among the competition's best athletes.

"Six months ago, I met the love of my life and the most beautiful and kindest person in the world," he said in an emotional interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK. "Three months ago, I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her."

The six-time world champion was hoping the grand gesture would prove his remorse and help win her back.

He explained that he had disclosed the affair to her only a week prior, but had not "got any reaction from her" since going public.

"I am happy because maybe she has not seen it and maybe she will see it at the right time," Laegreid said. "I hope I don't make it worse for her. Maybe it can help. I don't know. We will see."

Not much is known about her identity or how long they had been together before Lægreid's infidelity ruptured their relationship. In his statement, Laegreid refused to unmask her identity and said she was probably still processing last week's message."

"I hope there's light at the end of the tunnel for both of us and that she can still love me," he added.

The champion sports star explained that he had a "revelation" the night before, and that was the reason why he dropped "this bomb" on live TV.

"Then we'll see what happens. I have nothing to lose," he said. "I am already hated by her, and I hope that maybe it can make her realize how much I love her.

Laegreid's estranged girlfriend seems to have been in good company since her heart was shattered, as she referenced how great a support friends and family have shown her.

"I am grateful to my family and friends who have embraced me and supported me during this time," she wrote, adding thanks to "everyone else who has thought of me and sympathized, without knowing who I am."

The 2026 Winter Olympics aren't over yet, and promises to be filled with the competition's finest vying for glory. But for Laegreid, he would rather have his medal taken away than lose his girlfriend.

"I had the gold medal in life," he said. "I am sure there are many people who will see things differently, but I only have eyes for her. Sport has come second these last few days. Yes, I wish I could share this with her."

"I hope that committing social suicide might show how much I love her. I'm taking the consequences for what I've done. I regret it with all my heart," he added.

Since revealing that he cheated and was hoping that his public announcement would win over his estranged girlfriend, Laegreid has faced heavy criticism from netizens, with many calling him "manipulative."

One person commented on X, "There is nothing more manipulative than a man who uses an Olympic bronze medal as a shield to force his ex-girlfriend back into the spotlight after he cheated."

Another said, "It's manipulative behavior to try to force her to forgive him under pressure from the whole world. He shouldn't have cheated on her in the first place. Now he must face the consequences fairly."

"lol. He absolutely tried to manipulate her into giving in through public humiliation. men and their never-ending audacity," a third person noted of the situation.