Jutta Leerdam Shatters Olympic Record, Claims Gold as Jake Paul Weeps
Jutta Leerdam made history at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, clinching the gold medal in the women’s 1,000-meter speed skating final. On February 9, 2026, Leerdam set an Olympic record with a time of 1:12.31, four years after her disappointing finish in 2022.
Record-Breaking Performance
During the final, held at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium, Leerdam captivated fans by breaking the Olympic record. Her remarkable run not only secured her the gold but also marked a personal triumph after finishing second in the 2022 Beijing Games. In that event, Leerdam lost the gold to Miho Takagi from Japan.
Excitement and Emotion
As she crossed the finish line, Leerdam embraced the moment, overwhelmed with joy and emotion. “I couldn’t believe it… I couldn’t really stand, I couldn’t really see,” she told reporters. She reflected on the sacrifice required for her success, stating, “You have 80 years to recover from this. You don’t want to live with that regret.”
Race Results
- Gold: Jutta Leerdam (Netherlands) – 1:12.31
- Silver: Femke Kok (Netherlands) – 1:12.59
- Bronze: Miho Takagi (Japan) – 1:13.95
Leerdam’s teammate, Femke Kok, also delivered an impressive performance, finishing second and showing respect toward Leerdam’s achievement. Meanwhile, American speed skater Brittany Bowe, the reigning world record holder, placed sixth with a time of 1:14.55.
Support from Jake Paul
In the audience, Jutta Leerdam’s fiancé, Jake Paul, was visibly emotional. He took to social media, expressing his pride: “Juttttttttttaaaaaaaa. I can’t stop crying. You did it my love. Olympic Gold.” The couple has consistently supported each other since their relationship began in 2022.
Reactions and Controversy
Leerdam faced criticism during the Olympics for her choice to fly via private jet, leading to some controversy. However, her extraordinary victory has since overshadowed the negative attention, reflecting her resilience and focus.
Jutta Leerdam’s performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics not only earned her a coveted gold medal but also solidified her place in speed skating history. Her record-breaking run will be remembered as one of the highlights of the Games.
