Olympic tension grows as Jutta Leerdam's Jake Paul link divides Netherlands

The arrival of the Milan-Cortina 2026Winter Olympic Gameshas placed one of the most magnetic figures in global sports under the spotlight: Jutta Leerdam. However, not everything has been positive, as there has been heavy criticism of her behavior now that she is the partner of boxer and influencer Jake Paul.

The Dutch speed skater, already an unprecedented media phenomenon, arrives in Italy carrying the pressure of winning the gold medal that slipped away from her in Beijing 2022, but also under intense media scrutiny.

With more than five million followers on Instagram, Leerdam is not just an athlete; she is a global brand that "owns the cold" every time she steps onto the ice. Nevertheless, her start at these Games has been atypical, drawing criticism from the very day of the Opening Ceremony held on Friday.

While the rest of the Dutch delegation marched during the Opening Ceremony, Jutta chose strategic rest, supporting her teammates from bed in order to prioritize recovery ahead of the 500 and 1000 meters events.

"Diva" behavior and growing frustration in the Netherlands

Despite her undeniable talent, the skater has not escaped criticism suggesting that she has lost touch with reality, especially due to her relationship with Jake Paul.

Her arrival in Italy differed from that of other athletes from her country, as she traveled on a private jet surrounded by a personal entourage. Critics and analysts believe these attitudes disrupt the harmony of the Olympic spirit and the work ethic traditionally associated with the Dutch delegation.

Analyst and former player Johan Derksen was among the harshest voices, according to the Daily Mail: "She already lives like a millionaire. I find her behavior horrible, like that of a diva. If I were her coach, I would not tolerate it.

Gradually, the entire Netherlands is starting to get a bit fed up with her behavior." These criticisms suggest that, for a segment of public opinion, Leerdam's celebrity persona is beginning to overshadow her identity as an elite athlete.

The successes of Jutta Leerdam: A legacy on ice

Beyond the controversies and her high-profile relationship with Jake Paul, the Dutch skater's résumé positions her as one of the athletes to watch:

• Olympic Medalist: Silver medal in the 1000 meters at the Beijing 2022 Games.
• Seven-Time World Champion: Holder of seven world titles in speed skating.
• World Cup Dominance: Winner of multiple gold medals in the 1000 meters, including the recent victory in Kearns, Utah (2025).
• Short-Distance Reference: An undisputed specialist in the 500 and 1000 meters at the international level.
• Mass Phenomenon: The first speed skater to surpass five million followers, elevating the sport's global profile.