Sturla Holm Lægreid Secures Second Olympic Bronze Amid Personal Controversy
ANTHOLZ, 13 February 2026 — Norwegian biathlon star Sturla Holm Lægreid has added a second bronze medal to his tally at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, finishing third in the men’s sprint today. However, the 28-year-old’s athletic achievements have been partially eclipsed by a series of emotional public statements regarding his private life, following a stunning live television confession earlier this week.
Olympic Success in Antholz-Anterselva
Lægreid’s performance on the tracks of the Südtirol Arena has remained remarkably consistent despite the intense media scrutiny surrounding him. Today’s bronze in the sprint follows his third-place finish in the men’s 20km individual race held on Tuesday, 10 February.
In the individual race, Lægreid shot a perfect 20/20 but was outpaced by his teammate Johan-Olav Botn, who took the gold, and France’s Eric Perrot, who claimed silver. Today’s sprint result further cements Lægreid’s status as one of the most reliable marksmen in the sport, maintaining the high shooting accuracy that defined his 2024-2025 “dream season.”
Career Statistics and Achievements
Lægreid entered the 2026 Winter Games as the reigning Overall World Cup champion, having secured the Big Crystal Globe at the end of the 2024-2025 season. His career has been defined by rapid ascent since his World Cup debut in 2020.
| Category | Statistic / Achievement |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 20 February 1997 |
| World Championship Titles | 7 |
| Overall World Cup Titles | 1 (2024-2025) |
| Individual Podium Finishes | 55 (including 2026 Olympics) |
| Career Shooting Accuracy | ~93% |
Post-Race Confession Sparks Media Frenzy
While Lægreid is celebrated for his “calm contender” persona, he shocked viewers worldwide following his first bronze medal win on Tuesday. During a live interview with the Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Lægreid diverted from discussing his race performance to issue a tearful apology for “infidelity.”
The athlete admitted to having an affair during the Olympic period, describing it as the “biggest mistake” of his life. The confession was so unexpected that it briefly overshadowed the gold-medal victory of his teammate, Johan-Olav Botn. Lægreid later apologised to Botn for “stealing the spotlight” on what should have been Botn’s career-defining moment.
Impact on the Norwegian Team
Despite the personal turmoil, the Norwegian men’s team continues to dominate the biathlon events in Antholz. With veterans like Tarjei Bø and rising stars like Botn performing at peak levels, the “Blue Train” remains the favourite for the upcoming relay events. Lægreid has expressed his intention to remain focused on his remaining races, though he admitted in post-race comments today that the last few days have been “mentally exhausting.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many medals has Sturla Holm Lægreid won at the 2026 Olympics?
As of 13 February 2026, Lægreid has won two bronze medals: one in the Men’s 20km Individual and one in the Men’s Sprint.
Who won the gold medal in the men’s individual race?
The gold medal was won by Lægreid’s Norwegian teammate, Johan-Olav Botn, who has been the breakout star of the 2025-2026 season.
What is Sturla Holm Lægreid’s shooting percentage?
Lægreid is known as one of the best shooters in biathlon history, maintaining a career-best skill level of approximately 93%.
When is Sturla Holm Lægreid’s birthday?
He was born on 20 February 1997, meaning he will turn 29 during the final stages of the current winter season.