Jutta Leerdam, the Dutch speed skating sensation, has once again captured the world’s attention—both on and off the ice. On February 9, 2026 (local time), at the Milan Speed Skating Stadium, Leerdam delivered a breathtaking performance in the women’s 1000m event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, clinching her first Olympic gold medal and setting a new Olympic record of 1 minute 12.31 seconds. This remarkable feat not only earned her the top spot on the podium but also silenced a storm of controversy that had surrounded her in the days leading up to the race.
Leerdam’s journey to Olympic glory was far from ordinary. The 27-year-old star, who boasts over five million followers on Instagram and is engaged to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, arrived in Milan in a manner befitting her celebrity status. Instead of traveling with the Dutch national team, she touched down on a private plane provided by her fiancé. The jet, lavishly decorated with Olympic rings and an array of snacks, quickly became a hot topic after Leerdam shared photos on social media. Critics were quick to accuse her of extravagance and undermining team unity. As if that weren’t enough, she skipped the Olympic opening ceremony, citing a need to manage her condition, and posted a photo of herself watching the festivities from her hotel bed. The Dutch media and fans raised eyebrows, labeling her behavior as ‘diva-like’ and questioning her commitment to the team.
Yet, when it mattered most, Leerdam let her skates do the talking. Starting in the last (15th) pair on the outer track, she faced immense pressure. Her teammate, Femke Kok, had just set a new Olympic record moments earlier with a time of 1:12.59, and the world was watching to see if Leerdam could respond. She did so in spectacular fashion. While her opening 200 meters clocked in at 17.68 seconds, placing her third at that segment, Leerdam unleashed a blistering final sprint that propelled her past Kok’s mark by 0.28 seconds. As she crossed the finish line, the scoreboard confirmed her victory and a new Olympic benchmark. Overcome with emotion, Leerdam raised her arms in triumph and broke into tears—her mascara-streaked face broadcast around the globe, a raw symbol of relief and joy.
This gold was more than just a medal—it was redemption. In the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Leerdam had to settle for silver in the same event, her disappointment palpable. Since then, she’d twice claimed world championship titles in 2020 and 2023, but the Olympic gold had eluded her. Now, in Milan, she stood atop the podium, the Dutch flag draped over her shoulders, with all doubts about her focus and dedication firmly put to rest.
Femke Kok’s silver ensured a Dutch sweep of the top two spots, underscoring the Netherlands’ dominance in the sport. Japan’s Miho Takagi, the previous Olympic record holder, took bronze with a time of 1:13.95. For the Dutch contingent, Leerdam’s victory represented their first gold medal of these Games—a much-needed boost to national morale and a testament to the country’s storied tradition in speed skating.
Leerdam’s fiancé, Jake Paul, was a visible presence at the stadium, donning an orange scarf in honor of the Netherlands. Cameras captured him leaping to his feet and applauding as Leerdam secured victory, his emotional reaction quickly making the rounds on social media and international broadcasts. The couple, who announced their engagement in March 2025, are no strangers to the spotlight—Paul commands over 28 million followers on social media, making them a true influencer power couple with a combined audience of over 33 million.
Paul’s own sporting journey has been dramatic. Originally rising to fame through YouTube, he entered professional boxing five years ago, fighting high-profile opponents such as Anthony Joshua and Mike Tyson. Despite suffering a jaw-breaking knockout defeat to Joshua in December 2025, Paul’s support for Leerdam has remained unwavering. His presence in Milan, cheering from the second row, added another layer of intrigue to an already compelling Olympic narrative.
While Leerdam’s performance was the main headline, the event also saw notable achievements from other athletes. South Korea’s Inahyeon finished ninth with a time of 1:15.76, setting a new national record for the event and surpassing a 34-year-old mark. Fellow Korean Kim Minseon placed 18th at 1:16.24. Both skaters are set to compete in the women’s 500m event on February 16, raising hopes for further breakthroughs.
Despite the criticism she faced for her unconventional arrival and absence from the opening ceremony, Leerdam’s record-breaking run has largely quelled her detractors. As one Dutch commentator observed, “No amount of controversy can keep up with Leerdam’s speed on the ice.” The victory has shifted the conversation from off-ice drama to on-ice excellence, with many now hailing her as the ‘complete star’—combining athletic prowess, charisma, and the ability to perform under immense pressure.
Leerdam herself has yet to directly address the controversies in detail, choosing instead to let her achievements speak for themselves. Her focus now shifts to the upcoming 500m event, where she hopes to add another medal to her collection. With the eyes of the world—and millions of followers—watching, Leerdam’s every move will undoubtedly continue to make headlines.
As the dust settles in Milan, one thing is clear: Jutta Leerdam’s Olympic gold is not just a personal triumph, but a defining moment for Dutch speed skating and a powerful reminder that, in sport, performance ultimately trumps perception. For now, the debates have quieted, replaced by admiration for a champion who rose above the noise and delivered when it mattered most.