Dutch Speed Skating Star Captures Olympic Gold

Jutta Leerdam, the 27-year-old Dutch speed skater and social media sensation, delivered a standout performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, winning gold in the women’s 1000m with an Olympic record and silver in the 500m — her third career Olympic medal — while embracing her growing global spotlight to inspire young athletes.

Engaged to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul since March 2025, Leerdam has transcended traditional sports stardom with millions of followers, major brand deals and viral moments, including a post-race unzipping of her suit that sparked widespread media attention and potential seven-figure endorsement opportunities.

Here are 10 key things to know about Leerdam, whose achievements and off-ice influence have made her one of the most recognizable figures in winter sports.

1. Olympic Breakthrough at Milano Cortina 2026 Leerdam claimed her first Olympic gold in the women’s 1000m on Feb. 9, clocking an Olympic-record 1:12.31 to edge teammate Femke Kok (silver) and break the previous mark. She followed with silver in the 500m on Feb. 15 behind Kok, competing while battling illness — a feat she called “unbelievable” on Instagram.
2. From Beijing Silver to Triple Medalist Leerdam earned silver in the 1000m at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, her debut Games. The 2026 haul — gold and silver — brings her career Olympic tally to one gold and two silvers, establishing her as a dominant force in sprint distances.
3. World and European Champion Pedigree A two-time world single-distance champion in the 1000m (2020, 2023), Leerdam boasts 12 world championship medals, including six golds overall. She has also secured multiple European titles and consistent World Cup podiums, cementing her status in the Netherlands’ powerhouse speed skating program.
4. Late Start in Speed Skating Born Dec. 30, 1998, in ‘s-Gravenzande, Netherlands, Leerdam began speed skating at age 11 after playing field hockey. She quickly rose through junior ranks, debuting internationally at the 2017 World Junior Championships and turning pro in 2019.
5. Social Media Powerhouse With over 6.5 million Instagram followers and millions more on TikTok, Leerdam uses her platform to promote speed skating and inspire young girls. She has described social media as a tool to “show little girls they can do it too,” blending athletic content with personal life glimpses.
6. High-Profile Engagement to Jake Paul Leerdam became engaged to Jake Paul in March 2025. Paul has been a visible supporter at her races, including emotional reactions to her 2026 gold. The couple’s relationship has amplified her visibility, drawing crossover attention from boxing and influencer circles.
7. Viral Post-Race Moment Sparks Endorsement Buzz After her 1000m gold, Leerdam unzipped her FILA racing suit to reveal a Nike sports bra, a move that went viral and drew praise from the brand. Advertising experts estimate the exposure could net her up to $1 million in bonuses or future deals, highlighting her marketability.
8. Overcoming Challenges On and Off Ice Leerdam has navigated injuries, high expectations and public scrutiny, including a 2022 controversy over private jet use. Her resilience shone in 2026 when she raced the 500m while sick, posting, “I woke up sick yesterday. I don’t know how I pulled this off, but so happy I did!!!”
9. Redefining the Modern Female Athlete Leerdam balances elite performance with bold off-ice pursuits, including sportswear campaigns featuring lingerie-inspired pieces. Media outlets like Hola! praise her for redefining strength and femininity, merging athletic prowess with confident self-expression.
10. Inspiring the Next Generation Post-Olympics, Leerdam reflected on using her platform for positive impact. With her record-setting performances and massive following, she continues to grow the sport’s appeal, particularly among young women, as the Netherlands dominates speed skating on the world stage.

As Leerdam celebrates her 2026 triumphs and looks ahead, her blend of on-ice excellence and off-ice influence positions her as a defining figure in winter sports for years to come.