American Marconi Wireless News - Olympic bronze medal biathlete confesses affair on live TV

Asked by Norwegian channel NRK to share his feelings after his bronze in the 20km individual, a teary Laegreid admitted he had made "the biggest mistake of my life."

"There is someone who, perhaps, isn't in front of the screen today. Six months ago, I met the love of my life, the most beautiful and best person in the world," said the 28-year-old.

"And three months ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life and I was unfaithful to her."

Laegreid, who won relay gold in Beijing four years ago, said he had confessed to the person concerned a week ago.

"These have been the worst weeks of my life," he said.

"I had a gold medal in life, and many are probably looking at me differently today."

Laegreid, who said that sport had "taken a back seat in recent days", took third place behind his compatriot Johan-Olav Botn, crowned Olympic champion for the first time, and Frenchman Eric Perrot.

He later admitted that the live confession might not have been the best idea.

"I hope I didn't ruin Johan's day. Maybe it was really selfish of me to give that interview. I'm not really here, mentally."

P.Stevenson--AMWN