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Sturla Holm Lægreid confessed to cheating on his girlfriend on live television just moments after winning bronze in the 20km biathlon. Fellow Norwegian Johan-Olav Botn took the gold, finishing 15 seconds ahead of France’s Eric Perrot, who took silver.

Lægreid comfortably claimed bronze as he finished 40 seconds ahead of fourth-placed Olli Hiidensalo of Finland in the event that took place at the Antholz-Anterselva Biathlon Arena on Tuesday afternoon. But what came next was nothing short of extraordinary, as a visibly emotional Lægrei broke down in tears before admitting to cheating on his girlfriend of six months.

"There is something I want to share with someone who may not be watching today," he told Norwegian broadcaster NRK. "Half a year ago I met the love of my life.

"The world's most beautiful and nicest person. Three months ago I made the mistake of my life and cheated on her, and I told her about that a week ago. This has been the worst week of my life."

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He then continued: "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."

After calming down and composing himself, the biathlete said: "You never know how many chances you get, and I don't think I'll get another chance at true love like I had with her. But I'm willing to do anything.

"I am willing to drop a nuclear bomb on NRK and commit social suicide and be hated by everyone. Because I am already hated by her, and I hope that maybe it can make her realise how much I love her."

Asked by the interviewer how he managed to finish third, Lægreid answered: "I try to be a good role model and I did something stupid. I got a nice video from the club at home and I used that as motivation today.

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"As I said, I want to be a good role model but I have to admit when I get something wrong. You have to admit when you do something you can’t stand for and hurt someone you love so much."

Botn pointed to the sky as he crossed the finish line, remembering teammate Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who was found dead in his hotel room in Lavaze, Italy, in December. And reflecting on winning gold, he said: "At the last shooting, my thoughts and feelings went toward my good friend Sivert Bakken who tragically died this Christmas.

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"It was quite an emotional last loop for me. I felt like I was racing with him. I hope he was watching and hope he was proud of what I was doing.

"I go out on the last lap and went through a real emotional rollercoaster. It was really special. When I crossed the finish line there and saw that there was a one next to my name, I ‌broke down a little."