Norway continued its strong start at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan–Cortina when biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid earned bronze in the men’s 20km individual. But the moment that stunned viewers came after the race, when the 28-year-old became visibly emotional during a post-event interview. Instead of celebrating his medal, he spoke about a personal regret that had weighed on him throughout the competition, saying his mind had been far from sport in the days leading up to the event.

In the interview, Lægreid said he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend and had told her about it a week earlier, describing the aftermath as the hardest week of his life. He explained that he chose to speak publicly because he didn’t want to hide from the consequences of his actions, especially as someone young fans might look up to. He added that he hoped honesty, however painful, would show how seriously he took the mistake and how much he cared about making things right. Lægreid said he had only decided to share the confession the night before the race, after discussing it with teammates, and admitted he didn’t know what the outcome would be—only that he felt he needed to own what he’d done. While the bronze medal added to Norway’s tally, his interview shifted attention to accountability, remorse, and the complicated reality that success on the course doesn’t always match what an athlete is carrying off it.