The seven-time world champion finished third in biathlon, a sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, behind fellow Norwegian Johann-Olav Botten and France’s Eric Perrault.

This is LaGrade’s second Olympic medal, having won relay gold at the 2022 Olympics.

Asked later about his admission at the press conference, he added: “Of course, now I hope I didn’t ruin John’s day.

“I don’t know if it was the right choice, but it was the choice I made.

“I chose to tell the world what I did so that maybe she would have a chance to see what she really meant to me – maybe not, but I don’t want to think I didn’t do everything I could to get her back.

“I don’t want to steal the spotlight. I hope it’s just a day or two. Then you’re an Olympic gold medalist forever.”

Five-time Olympic champion Johannes Thingnes Boe, now a biathlon expert for broadcaster NRK, questioned the timing of Laegreid’s admission.

“It’s completely surprising. What he did was wrong – we saw a remorseful young man standing there. Unfortunately, the time, the place and the timing were wrong,” said Beau, LaGrade’s former teammate.

Boten chanted the name of his late teammate Sivit Gutombakken as he crossed the finish line to win the gold medal.

Bake laundry Found dead on December 23 In a hotel room in northern Italy, about two hours from where the biathlon competition is taking place.

“I ran the last lap with him. Yeah, it was more of a feeling of crossing the finish line together, and it was really special to see No. 1 next to my name,” Bolton enthused.

“There were five of us on the starting line and one of us was watching from the top. It was really about Sivert,” LaGrade added.