Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Jake Paul’s Fiance Jutta Leerdam Makes Personal Admission After Winter Olympics

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zahid Rashid | Last updated Feb 26, 2026 12:12 PM ET

Jake Paul's fiancée and Dutch speedskater Jutta Leerdam is leaving the 2026 Winter Olympics with a silver medal in the 500m and a maiden gold in her signature 1000m event, along with plenty of new fans. But the achievement she is most proud of is the people around her.

Leerdam first rose to global fame at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, where she won silver in the women’s 1000m speed skating event. Her social media following quickly grew into the millions, and after her relationship with Paul became official in April 2023, it skyrocketed even further.

The 27-year-old arrived in Italy with both Paul and a legion of fans behind her, and she delivered, even bringing her fiancé to tears of joy after capturing gold in the 1000m in a new Olympic record time of 1:12.31.

Jutta Leerdam in action at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Amber Searls-Imagn Images

However, even if Leerdam hadn’t left Italy with those two medals, she believes she would still have “won” in life.

"The Olympics are over. Before I started this journey I already won in life by having the most amazing people around me," she wrote in her latest Instagram post.

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Leerdam revealed that she made the tough decision to build her own team two years ago, and it has certainly paid off. She went on to thank her coaches and equipment specialists, as well as her sponsors, for believing in her and giving her the opportunity to pursue and succeed in her dream.

"Thank you to my fiancé for being there for me, for listening to me talk about this sport you didn’t even know before we met, every single day. For letting me be me and supporting me along this journey. The loving man you are. I love you, Jake," she added.

Leerdam also thanked her parents, Ruud Leerdam and his wife Monique, for supporting her from day one, as well as her fans, siblings, and extended family "for always being there, in the happy moments but also in the darker days."

"I’m ending the season on a high. Becoming Olympic Champion compleets my list of dreams. I feel very fulfilled. Let this journey called life continue & make the next chapter even more beautiful. I hope you’re all enjoying the ride. ILY," Leerdam concluded.

It was certainly a successful Winter Olympic campaign for Leerdam, and although she feels her dreams are fulfilled for now, fans will be hoping to see the Dutch star compete at the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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