Netherlands speedskating sensation Jutta Leerdam entered the 2026 Winter Olympics with a cult following on social media, boasting more than 6.5 million followers on Instagram and another 2.9 million followers on TikTok.
While the social media starlet had plenty of fame for out-of-competition reasons, she also entered the Milan-Cortina Games with plenty of hype for her skill on the ice. Leerdam was previously an Olympic silver medalist in the 2022 Beijing Games.
Last week, “The Flying Dutchwoman” claimed gold in the women’s speedskating 1000m with an Olympic record, and on Sunday morning, she added to her trophy case with a silver medal in the women’s speedskating 500m.
After the race, Leerdam took to social media to make a surprising revelation about the race. While she put together an incredible performance to land on the podium, she almost never made it to the arena because of her health.
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Leerdam revealed that she woke up this weekend sick, but was able to overcome the illness. “What a day. I woke up sick yesterday,” Leerdam wrote on Instagram Stories. “I don’t know how I pulled this off, but so happy I did!!!”
Feb 15, 2026; Milan, Italy; Jutta Leerdam of the Netherlands reacts after skating during the women’s 500m during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Speed Skating Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
If you’ve never watched speedskating but recognize Leerdam’s face or name, there is probably a good reason. Along with being a world-class athlete, she is also the fiancée of controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
MORE: Jutta Leerdam gives video tour of Olympic Village food court after winning gold
Paul and Leerdam began dating in April 2023 after an exchange on Instagram. According to the couple, Paul had slid into Leerdam’s DMs, which sparked a long-distance romance. The two have since been inseparable, with Leerdam becoming a staple ringside at Paul’s blockbuster boxing events.
But while Paul is usually the one breaking records and getting the spotlight, it’s Jutta’s time to shine.
Jutta Leerdam celebrates winning the silver medal in the women’s speed skating 1000-meter race during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Speed Skating Oval on Feb. 17, 2022.
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