Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid confessed on live television to cheating on his girlfriend moments after winning bronze in the Winter Olympics.

The 28-year-old, who won his first individual Olympic medal in the 20km individual biathlon at Milan-Cortina, admitted he had an affair three months ago and called it my biggest mistake.

Laegreid said it had been the worst week of my life since he told his girlfriend of six months about the affair.

There's someone I wanted to share it with who might not be watching, he told NRK, Norway's state broadcaster.

Six months ago I met the love of my life - the most beautiful and kindest person in the world. Three months ago I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her.

I had the gold medal in life, and I am sure there are many people who will see things differently, but I only have eyes for her.

Sport has come second these last few days. Yes, I wish I could share this with her.

He later told Norwegian newspaper VG: My only way to solve it is to tell everything and put everything on the table, and hope that she can still love me.

I've done that for her, and now for the whole world. I have nothing to lose.

I want to be a good role model, but I have to admit when I make mistakes.

The seven-time world champion finished third in the biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, behind champion Johan-Olav Botn, a fellow Norwegian, and Eric Perrot of France.

It is a second Olympic medal for Laegreid, who won gold in the relay at the 2022 Games.

Asked about his admission in the news conference later, he added: Of course, now I hope I didn't ruin Johan's day. I don't know if it was the right choice or not, but it was the choice I made.

I made the choice to tell the world what I did so maybe there's a chance she will see what she really means to me - maybe not, but I don't want to think I didn't try everything to get her back.

I don't want to steal the show. I hope this is just like a day-or-two thing. Then you are an Olympic gold medallist forever.

Botn shouted the name of late team-mate Sivert Guttorm Bakken as he crossed the line to win gold. Bakken was found dead on 23 December in a hotel room in northern Italy, about two hours from where the biathlon was held.

Laegreid added: We were five guys on the start line, and one of them was watching from above. This was for Sivert, really.