Dutch velocity skater Jutta Leerdam has develop into an web sensation due to her thrilling performances on the ice. And, with the 2026 Winter Olympic Video games, star boasting greater than 5 million followers on Instagram, followers wish to know extra about her achievements, coaching, and even this magnificence’s love life.
So, listed below are 5 quick information on the gold medalist who simply set a Video games document of 72.31 seconds within the 1,000m dash.
She Began Pace Skating Later Than Most Champions
Having performed area hockey as a toddler, Leerdam leaned into the ice on the age of 11and that is thought of late in contrast with different velocity skating stars who undertake the game a lot earlier. Nonetheless, by the point she was 18, Leerdam’s coaching was actually paying off. She gained her first Junior World Championship due to a passionate efficiency in Helsinki, Finland, again in 2017.
From Junior Star to Senior World Champion
A eager runner and curler blader, Leerdam specializes within the 500-and-1000-meter velocity skating occasions, and has develop into much more profitable as a senior, following on from her junior days. Up to now, she has amassed seven world titles from particular person and workforce occasions and likewise holds a world document alongside together with her teammates Letitia de Jong and Femke Kok for the workforce dash, finishing 400 meters in simply 84.02 seconds.
A Non-public Jet Journey That Sparked Controversy
Who mentioned being well-known was all in regards to the fanfare? When the skating sensation took to Instagram on February 1, 2026to share that she was touring to the Winter Olympic Video games by way of non-public jet, the web responded with combined feelings. “Time to shine,” wrote one supportive fan,” whereas others felt that she wasn’t stepping into the workforce spirit. “A bit of bit an excessive amount of. Stick with each toes on the bottom please,” critiqued one other follower. Leerdam additionally missed the opening ceremony in Milan, watching the proceedings on tv as an alternative. She did categorical remorse at not with the ability to see Mariah Carey carry out stay on the occasion, nonetheless.
Overcoming Setbacks and Bouncing Again Stronger
Whereas video footage that’s circulating on-line, displaying Leerdam falling and splitting her tights isn’t real, the star has actually tasted the ice throughout her storied profession, most notably within the 2026 Olympic qualifiers when the skater suffered a fall that meant her desires of taking part within the 1000m occasion had been nearly crushed.
To chill down, Leerdam unzipped her high following the accident, however set pulses racing once more as she uncovered her pink sports activities bra, little question including to her enormous Instagram following within the course of. Regardless of her failure to clock an official time on the qualifier, the Dutch workforce selectors gave her an assigned spot as an alternative, based mostly on her stable observe document. “I bounced again,” defined the starwho additionally certified for the 500m occasion.
Engaged to Social Media Star Jake Paul
As Leerdam now has sights set on a second gold at these Video games, her followers and followers are simply as obsessed about her private life. The seven-time world champion, who took house a silver medal on the 2022 Beijing Video games, turned engaged to Jake Paul in March of 2025, after he shocked her with a marriage proposal. To woo Leerdam, the social media influencer even flew her mother and father to Saint Lucia so that they might be a part of their lasting reminiscence of that big day.
To observe Jutta Leerdam on Instagram, click on right here.
