Jutta Leerdam added to her impressive Olympic resume with a silver medal in the 500-meter speed skating event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, despite not being the pre-race favorite. The Dutch skater continues to captivate audiences both on and off the ice with her talent and growing brand.
Leerdam once again demonstrated her magnetic presence, securing another medal for the Netherlands. The 27-year-old faced a tough challenge in the 500m, ultimately finishing second to compatriot Femke Kok. This follows her gold medal win in her signature event, the 1000 meters, earlier in the Games.
The athlete, boasting over 5 million Instagram followers, reaffirmed her status as a force in the sport. Kok surpassed Leerdam’s time of 37.15 seconds, setting a recent Olympic record with a blistering 36.49 in the twelfth heat. Japan’s Miho Takagi rounded out the podium with a time of 37.27.
Leerdam, a two-time world champion and three-time European champion in the 1000 meters, had previously considered retirement. She is now focusing on expanding her influence as a social media personality, choosing to communicate directly with fans through Instagram rather than traditional media outlets.
Adding to the excitement, Leerdam’s fiancé, YouTube star and boxer Jake Paul, was in the stands cheering her on. He previously celebrated her gold medal victory in the 1000m.
Leerdam’s athletic journey began in ice hockey before she discovered her passion for speed skating at age 15. Her combination of athletic prowess and business acumen has made her one of the most recognizable athletes in the Netherlands. She was a junior world champion at 18 and quickly established herself among the world’s elite in the senior ranks.
Her popularity extends beyond her athletic achievements, as she uses her social media platform to connect with followers, particularly women, discussing sensitive topics like menstrual health and body image pressures. This openness has resonated with a wide audience and helped break down taboos within elite sports.
Leerdam’s profile soared in 2023 with her relationship with Jake Paul, attracting attention for their long-distance dynamic between Puerto Rico and the Netherlands. Paul even brought a camera crew to document the event, highlighting the couple’s highly publicized life.
Experts believe Leerdam represents a unique blend of commercial appeal and consistent performance at the highest level. This combination defines her place in the sport, distinguishing her from simply being an “influencer who skates.”
Leerdam, accustomed to the spotlight, too faced some criticism for her travel arrangements to Milan, arriving by private jet separate from the rest of the Dutch delegation, as reported by the El Nacional.
Prior to the Games, Leerdam sparked conversation among fans when she hinted at potentially retiring from competition to focus on her upcoming marriage to Paul.
