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What to Know About Jutta Leerdam, the Dutch Olympics Speed-Skater Who's Engaged to Jake Paul
- Angela Tam
- 24 hours ago
- 4 min read
Before she even took to the ice at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Dutch speed skating star Jutta Leerdam had ignited one of the most talked-about storylines of the Games — and it has nothing to do with lap times. The 27-year-old Olympian arrived in Italy via private jet with her entourage, sharing glamorous clips on Instagram of custom décor, champagne, sushi and celebratory sweets as she flew in style.
It seems like this grand arrival was warranted, though, as she just won the women’s 1,000-meter Olympic gold at the event, with her fiancé Jake Paul cheering on from the sidelines.
Here's what to know about her.
All image credits to @juttaleerdam/Instagram
From ’s-Gravenzande to Speedskating Stardom: Jutta’s Roots
Born on 30 December 1998 in ’s-Gravenzande, Netherlands, Jutta Monica Leerdam’s journey to the top of her sport began long before private jets and paparazzi flashes. She was named after German windsurfing champion Jutta Müller by her father, a windsurfing enthusiast — a quirky origin story that hints at the athletic pedigree in her family.
Leerdam tried her hand at multiple sports before finding her calling on the ice. She initially played field hockey before picking up speed skating around age 11 — and the rest, as they say, skated into history. Leerdam’s personal life — while often in the spotlight due to her relationship — reveals a grounded athlete: she studies commercial economics at the Johan Cruyff Academy as she trains for elite competition, proving her ambitions extend beyond the track.
On the Ice: Records, Medals and World Championships
After her first major breakthrough as Junior World Champion in 2017, she turned professional and quickly became one of long-track speed skating’s biggest names.
At the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, she captured silver in the 1000 m — a dramatic achievement that announced her as a genuine medal threat on the world stage.
Across world championships, Leerdam has amassed multiple medals — including several golds — in sprint distances and team events, cementing her reputation as one of the fastest women on ice. She enters the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games as a top contender in both the 1000 m and 500 m races, recently winning gold for the former.
More Than Skates: Fashion and Brand Collabs
Speed skating may be her profession, but Jutta Leerdam’s influence extends into the world of fashion. With over five million Instagram followers, she’s landed partnerships with high-end brands — from Hugo Boss to Dior and Nike — and cultivated a personal style that feels equally at home on the red carpet and the Olympic village.
Her social feeds are a blend of athletic intensity and fashion-forward moments, often showcasing tailored fits, runway-inspired ensembles and collaborations that underscore her dual identity as both athlete and influencer.
How She and Jake Paul Met — And Fell in Love
In a twist that reads like a modern fairy tale of DMs and destiny, Jutta Leerdam’s love story with American influencer turned professional boxer Jake Paul began with a simple Instagram message. Paul reached out to invite her on his podcast in 2023 — and what started as casual chat eventually blossomed into a full-on romance.
Despite initial scepticism — she once admitted she thought he seemed “like an arrogant idiot” at first glance — Leerdam found a different side of Paul once they got to know each other.
Their relationship went public in April 2023 with a playful Instagram post captioned “I’m Dutch now.” In March 2025, Paul proposed during a romantic getaway in St. Lucia, sealing their engagement with a sparkler of a moment and an equally dazzling diamond ring.
Paul has since become a vocal and visible supporter of Leerdam’s Olympic pursuits, with the pair often celebrating each other’s achievements and appearing at major events together.
Past Relationships: Before Jake
Before her high-profile connection with Jake Paul, Leerdam’s public romantic history included a long-term relationship with fellow Dutch speed skater Koen Verweij, which lasted from 2017 to 2022. That partnership with a fellow athlete was far quieter — and much less dissected — than her current status as part of one of sport’s most photographed couples.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jutta Leerdam
Why did Jutta Leerdam arrive at the Olympics by private jet? Leerdam chose to travel to the 2026 Winter Games on a personalised private jet — showcasing the experience on social media — a decision that sparked debate about athlete branding, privilege and team culture.
What events is she competing in at the 2026 Games? She’s entered in both the 1000 m and 500 m speed skating events, where she’s considered one of the favourites.
How many medals has she won? Leerdam has won multiple world championship medals and earned Olympic silver in 2022, with several world titles to her name.
Does she model or work with fashion brands? Yes — beyond sport, she’s collaborated with brands like Hugo Boss and Dior, blending elite performance with fashion influence.
How did she and Jake Paul meet? The pair met after Paul sent Leerdam a message on Instagram asking her on his podcast; they started dating in 2023 and got engaged in 2025.
Did she date anyone before Paul? Yes — she previously dated Dutch speed skater Koen Verweij from 2017 to 2022.