Before she even stepped on the ice, the speed skater was already facing criticism at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The 27-year-old won a silver medal for the Netherlands during the 2022 Beijing Olympics. She also captured a few gold medals at the World Championships in the 1000 meters and the team sprint.
Leerdam entered the 2026 Olympics with a ton of confidence in the 1000m since she has won three of her four World Cup races this season.
As for her personal life, Leerdam is currently engaged to boxer Jake Paul. She already created quite the stir at the Olympics. Multiple headlines called her out for her diva-like behavior when she flew to the Olympics via a private jet.
Despite all of that, you cannot take her talent away from her. She has proven herself again and again. There was one moment that remains ingrained in fans’ minds when it comes to Jutta Leerdam.
