Norwegian biathlete apologizes to ex-girlfriend after cheating confession

A day after a stunning confession on live television that he had cheated on his girlfriend, Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid on Wednesday said he regrets going public with his private life at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

In an interview with Norwegian network NRK after winning bronze in the men's 20-kilometer individual race on Tuesday, Laegreid revealed on camera that he had been unfaithful "to the love of my life" in an apparent attempt to win her back.

However, his tearful confession didn't go down well with critics who said it took the focus away from teammate Johan-Olav Botn who shot clean to win the gold medal in the event.

"I deeply regret sharing this personal story on what was a day of celebration for Norwegian biathlon," Laegreid said in a statement issued by the Norwegian team on Wednesday.

"I am not quite myself these days, and not thinking clearly," he said. "My apologies go to Johan-Olav, who deserved all the attention after winning gold. They also go to my ex-girlfriend, who unwillingly ended up in the media spotlight. I hope she is doing well. I cannot undo this, but I will now put it behind me and focus on the Olympics. I will not answer any further questions about this."

Norwegian newspaper VG said it had been in contact with Laegreid's ex-girlfriend who appeared unmoved by his remorseful comments on live TV.

"It's hard to forgive [him]. Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world," VG quoted her as saying. "I didn't choose to be put in this position, and it's painful to have to endure it. We've been in contact, and he's aware of my feelings about this."

The newspaper didn't name her, saying she wasn't looking for the attention and wanted to remain anonymous.

The post-race