Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam, the fiancée of YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, has captured significant attention this week with a sizzling social media post. The 27-year-old athlete, who is set to compete at the Winter Olympics next month, shared a series of winter-themed snaps on Instagram, but it was a particular video that truly turned heads.
A Steamy Social Media Moment
Leerdam posted a collection she titled 'some winter randoms' on Monday. The carousel included images of her in a sleek black skating suit, wrapped up warmly in the snow, and spending quality time with her father. However, nestled among these was a video that quickly became the focal point.
The clip shows Leerdam stepping into a hot tub, showcasing her incredibly toned physique in a skimpy bikini as her fiancé, Jake Paul, assists her into the warm water. The comment section was swiftly flooded with complimentary remarks, including a sweet message from Paul himself that read: 'cutieeeee.'
Adding to the buzz, the official Netherlands Olympic team account responded with a fire emoji, underscoring the post's popularity. This intimate glimpse into the couple's life comes at a pivotal moment in Leerdam's athletic career.
Olympic Qualification Drama
Leerdam's journey to the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, which commence on February 6, has been marked by dramatic highs and lows. She will represent the Netherlands in two events, but her path to qualification was far from straightforward.
A Tearful Setback and Triumphant Recovery
During the Netherlands' qualifying rounds, Leerdam suffered a stunning crash in the 1,000m race, her specialist event. The fall left her in tears and initially jeopardised her Olympic dreams. However, displaying remarkable resilience, she bounced back the very next day to secure a place in the 500m event.
This left her in an anxious position, awaiting the verdict of the national selection committee for a potential spot in the 1,000m. The tension was resolved on New Year's Day when Leerdam took to Instagram to share the exhilarating news.
Official Selection and Emotional Relief
She announced that the committee had selected her to compete in both the 500m and the 1,000m events in Milan. In her post, she expressed profound gratitude and relief, writing: 'See you in Milan for the 500 & 1000m!!! After my fall in the 1000m, I refocused, bounced back and qualified for the 500m.'
Leerdam elaborated on the selection process, noting that only nine Dutch women could qualify overall. She secured her place through her 500m performance, and with one spot remaining for the 1,000m, the national skating federation (KNSB) chose to add her to that event. She emphasised her happiness that this decision did not negatively impact any other athlete in the selection process.
Support from a High-Profile Partner
Jake Paul has been a visible source of support throughout this emotional rollercoaster. He was among the first to comment on her qualification announcement, posting three padlock emojis, symbolising security and strength.
Notably, Paul traveled to the Netherlands to support Leerdam during her Olympic trials, doing so just days after sustaining a broken jaw in two places during his boxing match with Anthony Joshua. His dedication was evident when he spoke to reporters after her tearful exit from the 1,000m qualifying, stating: 'I know this is her whole life. Her whole dream. And everything she's worked so hard for. My heart is broken.'
Leerdam herself made a heartfelt plea to the selectors following her fall, arguing for her inclusion based on her consistent world-class performance and practice form. She highlighted her victories in past World Cups and her typical top-two finishes at the global level, hoping the committee would consider her overall trajectory and the quality of her skating before the unfortunate tumble.
As the Winter Olympics approach, all eyes will be on Jutta Leerdam, not only for her athletic prowess on the ice but also for the compelling personal narrative of resilience and high-profile support that surrounds her journey to Milan.
