Jutta Leerdam wins gold at Winter Olympics, leaving Jake Paul emotional
Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam secured a gold medal in the 1,000m event at the Winter Olympics in Milan, setting an Olympic record with a time of 1:12.31, reports BritPanorama.
Leerdam’s performance was not only remarkable for her speed but also for its emotional impact, particularly on her fiancé, American media personality Jake Paul, who was seen in tears as he watched her compete. She triumphed over compatriot Femke Kok, who took the silver, and Japan’s Miho Takagi, who finished third.
This victory marks a significant turnaround for Leerdam, who won a silver medal in Beijing four years ago. In recent years, she has become prominent in both athletics and social media, further solidifying her status as an athlete of considerable repute.
Paul, who proposed to Leerdam in March 2025, expressed his feelings on social media, stating, “Juttttttttttaaaaaaaa. I can’t stop crying. You did it my love. Olympic Gold. God is great and so are you.” Earlier in the day, he shared, “Today is your day baby,” demonstrating his unwavering support for her achievements.
Leerdam’s journey to this gold medal has not been without criticism. She faced backlash for choosing to travel to the Games via private jet rather than with the Dutch team and was labelled a “diva” by a former Netherlands footballer for missing the Opening Ceremony, highlighting the scrutiny that high-profile athletes can face.
The criticisms focused on her lifestyle choices, with one commentator remarking, “She should want it of her own accord. She’s already living like a millionaire, with private jets and everything,” and suggesting a growing frustration among the public regarding her demeanor.
As the accolades pour in for her Olympic success, the mixed reactions from fans and critics underline the complex nature of sports celebrity and public expectation. This emotional day for Leerdam serves as a vivid reminder of how personal triumphs can be intricately tied to public perception, revealing how even the most successful athletes grapple with scrutiny amidst their soaring achievements.
