MILAN, Italy – Jutta Leerdam’s performance at the speed skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan has captivated audiences, extending beyond the realm of athletic achievement to encompass the scrutiny of her personal life. The Dutch speed skater secured a silver medal in the women’s 500 meters, adding to a gold medal previously won in the 1,000 meters. However, the attention surrounding her relationship with Jake Paul, the American YouTuber-turned-boxer, has created a unique set of challenges.
Leerdam’s silver medal performance came after a qualifying process that wasn’t without its hurdles. She had to rely on a discretionary place at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games after a crash during qualification. Despite this, she delivered a strong showing, demonstrating resilience and skill on the ice. Paul was present at the Rho Fiera exhibition centre, visibly emotional as Leerdam claimed her gold in the 1,000m.
The increased media attention, however, has been a source of frustration for Leerdam. She expressed her desire to focus solely on her skating, lamenting the tendency of the media to fabricate stories when genuine narratives are lacking. “It’s not easy, especially with the media and stuff, because they want stories. And if they don’t have stories, they make up stories,” Leerdam stated. “Sorry. Not everyone. So that is sometimes hard to deal with as an athlete if you just want to focus on skating fast.”
One such fabricated story, as highlighted by Leerdam, involved a rumor that she had been training with American speed skater Jordan Stolz. “Me training with Jordan Stolz. That wasn’t even a thing,” she clarified. The incident underscores the challenges athletes face in navigating the intersection of athletic performance and public perception, particularly in the age of social media and constant news cycles.
Leerdam’s success at the Winter Olympics builds upon an already impressive career. Prior to Milan, she had already secured two world titles and three European championships in the 1,000m, along with a silver medal at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Her Olympic gold in Milan represents a culmination of years of dedication and training.
The relationship with Jake Paul has undoubtedly amplified her public profile. Paul, who has over five million followers on Instagram, was a prominent figure in the stands, cheering on his fiancée. Leerdam acknowledged the support she receives from Paul, noting that he has been more consistently present at her races than she has been at his boxing matches. “I’ve been supportive, but I’ve not been able to go to his past fights because of skating. It would be nice to be there more,” she said. “He has supported me a lot more and has come to many of my races, so I’m very grateful.”
Beyond the personal narratives, Leerdam’s achievements are being celebrated back home in the Netherlands. The CDA Westland, a political party in the Netherlands, has even expressed a desire to organize a formal celebration in her honor, recognizing her accomplishments as a source of pride for the community.
Despite the distractions, Leerdam appears adept at maintaining focus. She emphasized her ability to “push it aside and focus on what I can do, which is skate fast.” This mental fortitude will be crucial as she continues to compete and navigate the complexities of being a high-profile athlete in the modern era. Her departure from Milan, as reported by Dutch media, marks the end of a successful Olympic chapter, but undoubtedly not the end of her athletic journey.
Leerdam’s story is a reminder of the pressures faced by athletes, not only to perform at the highest level but also to manage the intense scrutiny that comes with fame. Her ability to compartmentalize and prioritize her sport, despite the external noise, is a testament to her professionalism and dedication. As she moves forward, the challenge will be to continue balancing athletic pursuits with the demands of a very public life.
