Jake Paul's fiancee Jutta Leerdam will compete in Winter Olympics despite last-minute disaster
Less than two months ago, YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul stepped out of the ring following his defeat to Anthony Joshua. Now, though, it's his fiancée Jutta Leerdam's moment to shine in the sporting arena.
Paul, 29, suffered only his second professional defeat when he lost to Joshua in Miami in December. But Leerdam faces an entirely different type of challenge as the Dutch speed skater prepares to compete in her second Olympic Games.
Leerdam already boasted more than two million Instagram followers when she travelled to Beijing for the 2022 Winter Olympics. That figure has since rocketed to five million, though she's previously made clear she wants recognition for her athletic achievements rather than her appearance.
Leerdam previously explained: "The last thing I want is being known as the girl from Instagram or the girl that looks a certain way," adding, "I want to be known as the girl who is a world-class skater, and is a winner and doing a good job on Instagram."
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She continued: "The other way round is something I don't really want. Speed skating is my number one and Instagram number two.
"It sounds super-cliched but I think brains bring you more in life than looks, and you can have better conversations with people than when you're pretty and dumb. And beauty fades anyway."
The 27 year old first spoke with Paul on Instagram, with the couple later making their relationship public in 2023. In March 2025, they revealed they were engaged after "The most magical day of our lives".
Leerdam will take part in the women's 500m and 1,000m at the 2026 Olympics, having claimed silver in the longer distance in 2022. She endured an anxious wait before securing her spot, though, after falling during the qualification rounds but earning a reprieve.
"Only nine Dutch women in total can qualify for the Games. I was one of the nine through my 500m. With one spot on the 1000m still available, the KNSB (the Royal Dutch Speed Skating Association) decided to add me to the 1000m!" she posted on social media.
"What makes me happiest is that this decision doesn't affect any other woman in the process. So grateful that everything worked out. Milan, here we come."
Leerdam arrived on a custom private jet, with Paul posting, "Time to shine" as he got ready to witness what both hope will be another podium finish. Prior to his fiancée receiving a second chance in the 1,000m, the American - who witnessed her fall in qualifying - shared a heartfelt message.
"I know this is her whole life," he said at the time. "Her whole dream. And everything she's worked so hard for. My heart is broken."
Fortunately for both parties, the KNSB granted her that additional spot, meaning she'll be able to take part in both competitions. The women's 1000m gets underway on Monday, whilst the 500m kicks off on February 14.