Dutch speed skating sensation Jutta Leerdam etched her name into history at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy, by securing her first-ever individual Olympic gold medal. Her remarkable performance in the 1000-meter event not only earned her the coveted gold but also established a new Olympic record. Leerdam’s triumph was made even more poignant by the unwavering support and encouragement from her fiancé, the renowned boxer and YouTube personality, Jake Paul.
This historic win marks only Leerdam’s second appearance at the Winter Olympics, yet she showcased remarkable confidence and meticulous preparation, building on numerous successes at national and world championship events in recent times. Her journey to Olympic gold, however, was not without its challenges. In late 2025, Leerdam experienced a significant setback during a crucial qualifying competition in the Netherlands. During the speed skating event, she unfortunately slipped and fell, leading to her elimination and casting doubt on her Olympic prospects. This unexpected defeat sparked widespread concern and discussion about her participation in the 2026 Winter Games.
This setback gravely jeopardized Leerdam’s position on the Dutch national team, fueling speculation about her future in the 2026 Winter Olympics. However, the resilient Dutch athlete refused to be deterred. She intensified her training, diligently addressing her weaknesses and rising above criticism to reclaim her form. Throughout this challenging period, she received unwavering and complete support from her fiancé, Jake Paul. The 29-year-old exhibition boxer consistently made time from his busy schedule to offer encouragement and motivation during Leerdam’s training sessions and competitive preparations. Their relationship, which began in 2022 and led to their engagement in March 2025, has captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing a powerful bond of mutual athletic support. On the day of her monumental victory, February 9th, Jake Paul was present at the competition venue, cheering her on. His emotions were palpable, as he was seen shedding tears of joy and pride as Leerdam clinched her historic gold medal.
In the electrifying 1000-meter speed skating final at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Leerdam delivered a masterful performance. She blazed across the ice, clocking an astounding time of 1:12.31 minutes, decisively shattering the previous Olympic record of 1:13.19 minutes, which was held by Japan’s Miho Takagi. Her teammate, Femke Kok, secured the silver medal, making it a proud moment for the Dutch team. Defending champion Miho Takagi from Japan earned the bronze, while American Brittany Bowe, the current world record holder for the 1000m distance set in 2019, finished in fourth place. Leerdam’s professional speed skating career began in 2018, and this latest triumph elevates her career Olympic medal tally to one gold and two silver medals, alongside an impressive five world championship titles. Her victory not only marks a personal milestone but also stands as a testament to her resilience, skill, and the powerful impact of unwavering support.
