Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam, who is engaged to social media personality Jake Paul, continues to strive for a place in the 2026 Winter Olympics following a strong performance in the recent Olympic Trials. Despite facing a setback with a crash during the 1000-meter final on Friday, Leerdam showcased her talent by securing second place in the 500-meter race on Sunday with a time of 37.242 seconds.
In this event, she finished just behind Femke Kok, who claimed victory with an impressive time of 36.873 seconds after recently setting the women’s 500-meter world record in November. Jake Paul celebrated Leerdam’s achievements, sharing his pride for her on Instagram, calling her a “warrior.”
The determination now lies with the Dutch national selection committee, which will determine whether Leerdam qualifies for the Olympic team, with an announcement expected in early December. Following her performance, Leerdam expressed confidence in her training, remarking, “I’m skating so well in practice. What those girls are skating here, I could have easily skated today.” She added that her current form is even better than what she achieved in the previous two years, indicating readiness for the challenges ahead.
Leerdam, a silver medalist in the 1,000-meter race at the 2022 Winter Olympics, has already asserted her prowess in the sport with two wins in the 1000-meter category during the 2025-26 World Cup season. With her skills and recent performances, she remains hopeful that her accomplishments will secure her a place in the upcoming Milano Cortina Games. As the Olympic selection process unfolds, Leerdam’s journey reflects the tenacity and dedication of athletes aiming for Olympic glory.