Jutta Leerdam: The Queen of the Ice and the World’s Most Marketable Olympian
When Jutta Leerdam steps onto the ice, time seems to slow down—ironic for a woman who makes her living at 60 kilometers per hour. With her signature winged eyeliner and a focused gaze that could melt the very rink she stands on, the Dutch speed skater has become more than just an athlete. She is a global phenomenon.
Whether you know her as the 2022 World Sprint Champion, the silver medalist from the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, or the fiancée of the world’s most polarizing boxer, Jake Paul, Jutta Leerdam is a name you can’t ignore. But behind the viral Instagram posts and the high-profile romance is a story of grit, family values, and a relentless pursuit of gold.
The “Little Bomb”: Early Life and Upbringing
Born on December 30, 1998, in ‘s-Gravenzande, Netherlands, Jutta Monica Leerdam wasn’t always a skater. As a child, she was a “little bomb” of energy. Her parents, hoping to tire her out, enrolled her in hockey, tennis, and gymnastics.
Family Ties: Jutta grew up in a tight-knit family with a brother and two sisters.
The Name: Her father named her after the German windsurfing legend Jutta Müller.
The Shift: While she excelled at hockey, the commute to elite training was too much. She pivoted to speed skating at age 11—and the rest is history.
“In the beginning, I didn’t exactly have a good technique,” Jutta admits. “But I had a lot of strength and endurance. I actually rode on that.”
Career Milestones: Dominating the 1000m
Jutta’s rise in the skating world was meteoric. By 2017, she was the World Junior Champion. Since then, she has become the face of Dutch speed skating, a sport that is practically a religion in the Netherlands.
Major Achievements:
Olympic Glory: Won the Silver Medal in the 1000m at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
World Champion Status: Two-time World Single Distance Champion in the 1000m (2020, 2023).
World Sprint Queen: Crowned the 2022 World Sprint Champion (500m and 1000m combined).
Dutch Record Holder: She holds the national record for the 1000m with a blistering time of 1:11.84.
The Power Couple: How Jutta Met Jake Paul
If you follow sports or social media, you’ve likely seen the headlines: “Are Jake Paul and Jutta Leerdam still together?” The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, they are now engaged.
The pair first connected at the end of 2022. Jake, the YouTuber-turned-pro-boxer, “slid into her DMs” on Instagram to ask her to be on his podcast. Jutta’s first impression? She thought he was an “arrogant idiot.” However, after talking, she realized he was the opposite of his public persona. They went Instagram official in April 2023.
Key Relationship Facts:
The Engagement: Jake Paul proposed in March 2025 amid hundreds of candles and roses.
The Long Distance: They split their time between the Netherlands and Puerto Rico.
Mutual Support: Jutta is a fixture at Jake’s boxing matches (most recently his bout against Anthony Joshua), and Jake is her loudest cheerleader at the rink.
The Impact: Jutta has often defended Jake against his “villain” persona. She famously said on his podcast, BS w/ Jake Paul, “He’s not an idiot in real life. He’s actually more introverted and sweet.”
Their relationship is a bridge between two worlds: the discipline of traditional European sport and the spectacle of American entertainment.
Social Media & The Brand: More Than Just a Pretty Face
With over 5 million followers on Instagram (@juttaleerdam), Jutta is the most-followed speed skater in history. While some critics argue her social media presence is a distraction, the numbers tell a different story.
She has used her platform to secure massive brand deals, including being a global ambassador for OMEGA and Body&Fit. Her estimated net worth in 2026 is approximately $5 million to $7 million, making her one of the highest-earning winter athletes in the world.
Physical Stats: Height, Weight, and Training
Jutta is known for her powerful build, which gives her the explosive start needed for sprint events.
| Attribute | Detail |
| Height | 1.81 m (5’11”) |
| Weight | 73 kg (161 lbs) |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Ethnicity | Dutch |
| Training Base | Thialf, Heerenveen |
Facing Challenges: The Road to 2026
Success hasn’t come without hurdles. In 2024, Jutta made the bold move to leave her professional team, Jumbo-Visma, to train independently. It was a risky gamble aimed at one goal: Gold at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
She has faced scrutiny for her relationship and her “influencer” status, but Jutta remains unfazed. She thrives under pressure, often stating that she performs better when the stakes are highest.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Jutta Leerdam?
As we look toward the 2026 Winter Games, Jutta is at the peak of her powers. She is currently balancing a rigorous training schedule with her life as a global celebrity and future wife to one of the most famous men on the planet.
Jutta Leerdam Quick Bio Table
| Feature | Information |
| Birth Date | December 30, 1998 |
| Age | 27 (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Olympic Medals | 1 (Silver, Beijing 2022) |
| Boyfriends | Koen Verweij (2017–2022), Jake Paul (2023–Present) |
| Status | Engaged to Jake Paul |
| Net Worth | ~$6 Million |
Conclusion
Jutta Leerdam is a rare breed of athlete—one who can dominate a sport while simultaneously conquering the digital world. Whether she’s shattering records in the 1000m or walking a red carpet in Abu Dhabi, she remains authentically herself: a hardworking, family-oriented Dutch girl with a need for speed.
What do you think? Can Jutta secure the Gold in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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