Dutch Speed Skating Star Jutta Leerdam Harnesses Social Media to Empower Young Girls
Olympic gold medallist Jutta Leerdam is utilising her substantial social media presence to motivate and inspire a new generation of young female speed skaters. The Dutch athlete, who has captivated audiences at the Milano Cortina Games, boasts over six million followers on Instagram. On Sunday, she emphasised that social media is not a distraction but rather a powerful platform she intends to use to encourage girls to take up the sport.
Record-Breaking Performances and Celebrity Support
The 27-year-old speed skater secured the Netherlands' first gold medal of the Games on Monday, setting an Olympic record of one minute 12.31 seconds in the women's 1,000 metres event. She followed this remarkable achievement with a silver medal in the 500m on Sunday, further solidifying her impressive campaign. As a two-time world single-distance champion representing the most successful speed-skating nation in Winter Games history, Leerdam has consistently lived up to high expectations.
Her stellar performances have been met with fervent support from Dutch fans, who have packed the Milano Speed Skating Stadium at every session. The venue has attracted notable celebrities each time Leerdam has competed. On Sunday, American rapper Snoop Dogg appeared in the stands cheering for Team USA, while on Monday her fiancé, social-media-star-turned-boxer Jake Paul, watched emotionally as she crossed the finish line to claim gold.
Social Media as a Tool for Inspiration and Promotion
When asked about her approach to using social media to promote speed skating, Leerdam told Reuters: "I, of course, have a following on social media. I really would like to inspire as many women and young girls as I can." She added, "So I try to make as much content as I can, because that way I can reach as many people. It's such an honour to do it. I feel so much support from everyone. And I feel all their energy and stuff."
For many athletes, social media can serve as an escape or a distraction, but Leerdam views it differently. "It's very helpful for me, actually," she explained. "It's never been a distraction for me, because I put it all out. I really focus on skating. I really put all my energy in that. So having something on the side, it actually just helps. Because you cannot think about skating 24/7."
She further noted, "I'm already doing it (speed skating) a little bit too much. So then having something on the side actually really helps me perform better. A lot of people would think maybe it's like a threat to my career. But it's not at all."
Recognition from Fellow Athletes
World record holder Femke Kok, who claimed 500m gold just ahead of Leerdam, is a rising force in the sport with nearly 300,000 Instagram followers. The 25-year-old finished second behind her compatriot in the 1,000m before reversing the order in the 500m. Kok offered warm praise for Leerdam's efforts, stating, "She's the social media queen. I'm not." She continued, "I think she's doing great with her followers. She just shows how she is, and also promotes the sport. So that's a good thing. And I'm trying to do the same. But it's just less followers, I think."
Leerdam's combination of athletic excellence and strategic use of digital platforms highlights a modern approach to sports promotion, aiming to foster greater participation and interest in speed skating among young girls worldwide.
