Bronze medalist talks about why he told the world he cheated on his girlfriend
Biathlon bronze medalist Sturla Holm Rägglid has revealed why she cheated on her girlfriend to win her back.
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Norwegian Olympian Sturla Holm Läggried won the bronze medal in the 20km biathlon at the 2026 Winter Olympics. But in subsequent interviews, medals seemed to be the least of his worries.
At the finish line on February 10, he tearfully told Norway’s NRK television that his beloved had recently cheated on him.
“There’s someone I didn’t see today. Six months ago, I met the love of my life, the most beautiful and best person in the world. And three months ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life and cheated on her,” Reagreed said, according to an NRK transcript translated into English by Google Translate.
“I’m not sure what I want to achieve by saying this right now, but sports have been in second place for the past few days,” he continued. “I wish I could share that with her.”
Ray Greed, 28, is also a former gold medalist in the biathlon relay at the 2022 Winter Olympics. However, he said the guilt caused by his transgressions affected his preparations for the Milan-Cortina Games. During the interview, Laigreed did not reveal the name of the person he was talking to, but said he had told her about the affair last week.
He said he was willing to take a hit on his reputation if it meant getting “a little chance to tell her how much I love her” and potentially “get her back.”
But forgiveness doesn’t start with a dramatic confession, says psychotherapist Stephanie Sarkis.
“Forgiveness is not about one emotional apology, a grand gesture, a public disclosure of betrayal, and pressure to make a quick decision,” Serkis said. “Forgiveness is a multi-step process that can take years. And forgiveness is not required of the betrayed partner, nor should they be pressured into doing so.”
So when can you forgive your partner for cheating? And what makes that grand gesture less romantic and more manipulative?
When is it OK to forgive your partner for cheating?
According to trauma and relationship therapist Jordan Pickell, infidelity doesn’t necessarily mean the end of a relationship. But relationship experts, including Pickell, warn that grand gestures aren’t necessarily the best approach to getting back together.
A sincere apology from the offender is the first step, and both partners should be able to openly discuss future needs.
“Cheating is acceptable if both partners have a plan to rebuild trust,” says Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and author of “13 Things Emotionally Strong Couples Don’t Do.” “People who have been cheated on need to seriously consider whether they can move forward with a healthy relationship.”
Pickell said grand gestures are measured by how they are received, and some partners may be touched by it, while others may not want their private lives to be public.
“Public declarations complicate accountability by adding external pressure,” she explains. “Now people will ask her, ‘Are you going to forgive him?'”
Morin says that grand gestures made in private can “show someone you love them,” but that “consistent actions over time, not one grand gesture, are key to building trust.”
“The little things are so much more important,” she explains. “For example, are you trustworthy? Are you dependable? Are you willing to go out of your way for the other person? It rebuilds broken trust.”
Contributor: Mark Giannotto, USA TODAY
