Not only medals and records are in the spotlight at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Norway’s biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid, who won the bronze medal in the individual race, drew attention for bursting into tears and making a personal confession in the mixed zone.
The athlete told reporters that he met «the love of his life» six months ago and was unfaithful three months ago. Lægreid said that he confessed to her about the matter a week ago and was dealing with the consequences.
«I only have eyes for her. Sport has come second these last few days. Yes, I wish I could share this with her,» the athlete said.
The interview immediately went viral on social media, sparking discussions about whether it was appropriate to bring personal drama to the world stage.
Fellow athletes also voiced criticism. Four-time Olympic champion Johannes Boe said that Sturla had chosen the wrong time and place for such a confession. Many fans felt that the revelation overshadowed the emotional triumph of his teammate Johan-Olav Botn, who won gold in the same race and dedicated his victory to his deceased friend.
The next day, Lægreid spoke to the press again and apologized to the team and his former beloved, admitting he had chosen the wrong moment for personal confessions and promising not to return to the subject during the Olympic Games.
Previously, Kursiv LifeStyle reported that Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam won gold in the 1,000 meters at the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Her fiancé, YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul, was cheering her on emotionally from the stands. At one point, he couldn’t hold back tears and began to cry.
