MILAN — Jutta Leerdam, the celebrated Dutch speed skater and Olympic medalist, is gearing up for her races in the 500 and 1,000 meters at the Milan Cortina Winter Games. Recognized not only for her athletic prowess but also for her high-profile engagement to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, Leerdam is drawing significant attention both on and off the ice. While she did not compete at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium on Saturday, her anticipated races will begin next week, with her first event scheduled for Monday in the 1,000 meters.
Leerdam, who won a silver medal in the 1,000 meters at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and finished fifth in the 500 meters in 2018, boasts an impressive collection of accolades that includes 12 world championship medals, six of which are gold. Following her strong performances in recent years, she is viewed as a serious medal contender in both events. The speed skater has amassed around 5 million followers on Instagram, showcasing her popularity as both an athlete and a public figure.
Jake Paul has also made headlines during this Olympic season. Not competing as an athlete, he was seen attending various events, including chatting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance while watching the U.S. women’s hockey team secure a decisive 5-0 victory over Finland. Known for his transition from YouTube fame to boxing, Paul has faced notable opponents including Anthony Joshua, with whom he suffered a defeat in December. Paul and Leerdam’s engagement, announced via social media in March, highlights their dynamic presence as a couple, attracting further interest and media coverage.
As Leerdam prepares to take the ice soon, she remains a figure of excitement and anticipation, with fans eager to see if she can add to her impressive list of accomplishments at the Winter Games. With the combination of her competitive spirit and high-profile relationship, both Leerdam and Paul continue to captivate audiences worldwide.