Dutch Speed Skater Jutta Leerdam Makes Strong Comeback in Olympic Qualifying Trials

After a heartbreaking fall during Friday’s 1,000-meter event, Dutch speed skating star Jutta Leerdam bounced back impressively on Sunday, securing second place in the 500-meter race at the Olympic qualifying trials. The 25-year-old athlete, who is engaged to boxer Jake Paul, finished with a time of 37.242 seconds, behind only world record holder Femke Kok, who clocked 36.873 seconds. This performance offers Leerdam renewed hope in her quest to represent the Netherlands at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, where she aims to build upon her silver medal success from the 2022 Beijing Games.

The contrast between Sunday’s triumph and Friday’s disappointment couldn’t be more stark. Just two days earlier, Leerdam crashed during the 1,000-meter event—her signature distance and the same one in which she claimed Olympic silver in Beijing. Cameras captured her emotional reaction as she skated off the ice in tears, a momentary setback in what has otherwise been a stellar career. Despite this setback, Leerdam maintained her characteristic determination and confidence, telling reporters: “I’m skating so well in practice. What those girls are skating here, I could have easily skated today. I’ve skated 1:14 here 25 times, and I feel even better now than I have in the past two years. I’m really hitting it.” Her words reflect not only disappointment but an unwavering belief in her abilities that has defined her approach to the sport.

Leerdam’s journey to this point has been marked by strategic decisions that highlight her focus on Olympic success. She deliberately skipped the 2025 ISU Speed Skating World Cup in Hamar, Norway, choosing instead to concentrate her energy and preparation on these critical Olympic trials. This decision underscores the premium she places on Olympic competition—a reasonable priority given her previous success on the world’s biggest sporting stage. At the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Leerdam established herself as one of speed skating’s brightest stars when she finished just behind Japan’s Miho Takagi, who set an Olympic record in the 1,000-meter event. That silver medal cemented her status among the sport’s elite and set expectations for future Olympic appearances.

While Sunday’s performance significantly improves her chances, Leerdam’s Olympic fate still rests in the hands of the Dutch national committee, which will make the final determination about her inclusion on the team. The Netherlands has historically been a powerhouse in speed skating, regularly fielding deep, talented teams that dominate Olympic competitions. This creates an intensely competitive selection process where even accomplished athletes like Leerdam must prove themselves worthy of one of the limited spots. The committee will consider not only her recent performances but her entire body of work, including her Olympic medal and world championship successes, when making their decision about the 2026 team composition.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Leerdam has gained additional attention for her relationship with Jake Paul, the controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer. Their engagement has increased her profile beyond the speed skating community, bringing new fans and scrutiny to her career. While some athletes might find such personal spotlight distracting, Leerdam appears to have maintained her focus on athletic excellence despite the increased attention. This balance between her personal life and professional ambitions speaks to her maturity and dedication to her sport, qualities that have served her well throughout her career on the ice.

As the qualifying process continues, Leerdam remains a compelling figure in the world of speed skating—a talented athlete who combines technical excellence with mental resilience. Her ability to recover quickly from Friday’s disappointment to deliver a strong performance just days later demonstrates the psychological fortitude necessary for success at the highest levels of international competition. Whether she ultimately earns selection for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games or not, Leerdam’s journey exemplifies the challenges and triumphs inherent in elite sports, where athletes must constantly prove themselves worthy of representing their nations on the world stage. For now, she can take confidence from Sunday’s result while continuing her preparation for what she hopes will be her second Olympic appearance and another opportunity to stand on the medal podium.