Elin Nordegren Talks About The Night Her Marriage To Tiger Woods Unraveled

Though she got her start as a model, Elin Nordegren is, unfortunately, most famous for being cheated on by pro-golfer Tiger Woods. When the National Enquirer broke the 2010 story about Woods sleeping with over 100 women during the course of the couple's six-year marriage, it rocked the globe and shattered Nordegren's world. Now, she's finally opening up about her side of this traumatic experience — and its stunning aftermath.

Speaking Out

After the official 2010 end of her and Woods's tumultuous relationship, Nordegren initially avoided talking to the press to protect her children's privacy. “But after everything that happened and everything that was written and speculated — what I did or didn’t do—I felt like setting some things straight,” she said.

Shattering Implications

After all, her private life had just imploded in front of millions of rabidly curious onlookers. “I’ve been through hell,” Nordegren said. “It’s hard to think you have this life, and then all of a sudden — was it a lie?” To make things worse, people initially believed she knew more than she let on.

Betrayal

Nordegren had to make it clear to the public that she was just as shocked by her husband’s betrayal as everyone else. “I’m so embarrassed that I never suspected — not a one,” she said. "The word betrayal isn't strong enough." Heartbreakingly, she had previously "felt safe" with Woods.

Different Plans

Before his cheating shattered their marriage, Nordegren believed she had a stable life. She met Woods when she was only 21, after she'd spent a year nannying in the U.S; originally, she hails from Vaxholm, Sweden. Her younger self had dreams of writing and studying psychology. But early on, those dreams went on hold.