Biathlete apologises to ex-girlfriend and team-mate

Sturla Holm Laegreid won gold in the men's biathlon relay at Beijing 2022

Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid has apologised again for cheating on his ex-girlfriend and taking focus away from his team-mate's Winter Olympics triumph - but his former partner says the situation is "hard to forgive".

Moments after winning bronze in the men's 20km - his first individual Olympic medal - a tearful Laegreid said on live television that it had been "the worst week of his life" after his girlfriend ended their relationship because of his infidelity.

Beside him on the podium was compatriot Johan-Olav Botn, who dedicated his gold medal to their late team-mate Sivert Guttorm Bakken after his death in December.

Botn shouted Bakken's name as he crossed the line first in Cortina, but talk since the event has been dominated by Laegreid's confession.

His ex-girlfriend, writing anonymously in Norwegian newspaper VG, said she "did not choose to be put in this position".

"It's hard to forgive. Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world," she said.

"We have been in contact, and he is aware of my feelings about this."

On Wednesday, Norway's state broadcaster NRK shared a statement by Laegreid in which he apologised both to his ex-girlfriend and Botn.

"I deeply regret bringing up this personal story on what was a day of celebration for Norwegian biathlon," Laegreid told NRK - Norway's state broadcaster.

"I am not quite myself these days, and I am not thinking clearly. My apologies go to Johan-Olav, who deserved all the attention after winning gold.

"My apologies also go to my ex-girlfriend, who unwillingly ended up in the media spotlight. I hope she is doing well.

"I cannot change what has happened, but I will now put this behind me and focus on the Olympics. I will not be answering any further questions about this."

In a news conference on Tuesday, Laegreid had said he hoped he had not "ruined" his team-mate's day, but insisted: "I stand by my choice."

Former team-mate Johannes Thingnes Boe - a five-time biathlon gold medallist - told Norwegian state broadcaster NRK that Laegreid was "completely wrong".