Jutta Leerdam is heading into the 2026 Winter Olympics with a serious shot at gold, rather than just celebrity attention. The Dutch speed skating star and Jake Paul’s fiancee has battled setbacks and come back stronger as she eyes individual success on the world’s biggest stage.
Jutta Leerdam is heading into the 2026 Winter Olympics with a serious shot at gold, rather than just celebrity attention.
The Dutch speed skating star and Jake Paul’s fiancee has battled setbacks and come back stronger as she eyes individual success on the world’s biggest stage.
Jutta Leerdam gets ready for Winter Olympics 2026
Leerdam’s Olympic build-up has been widely covered, and she’s expected to compete in Milan-Cortina in both the 500m and 1000m speed skating races, marking her second Olympic appearance.
She confirmed her double qualification after finishing second in the 500m and then being added to the 1000m by the Dutch selectors.
Speed skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics runs from February 07 to 21 at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium, with events such as the women’s 1000m and 500m well placed for Leerdam’s strengths.
Her road to Milan has not been smooth. Leerdam crashed in the 1000m at Dutch Olympic Trials, jeopardising automatic qualification, but rebound performances and her standing with selectors ensured her place at the Games.
Why Jutta Leerdam could win Olympic gold
Leerdam’s credentials as a medal contender are solid. She is a seven-time world champion and was a silver medallist in the 1000m at the 2022 Winter Olympics, proving she can perform on the biggest stage.
Her recent World Cup and European results indicate form that aligns with medal potential. Leerdam’s emphatic wins and podium finishes show she can peak when it matters.
Crucially, her determination has been evident in how she managed her recovery and qualification after trials disappointment. That kind of resilience often correlates with success at multi-day championships like the Olympics, where focus and adaptability matter most.
If Leerdam brings her best to Milan-Cortina, the Dutch star is positioned not just to compete but to stand on the top step of the podium and win Olympic gold. That would complete the one major accolade that has so far eluded her at the Winter Games.
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Category: General Sports
