MILAN-CORTINA, Italy — Dutch speedskater Jutta Leerdam claimed Olympic gold in the women’s 1,000 meters Monday at the Milan-Cortina Games, breaking the Winter Olympics record with a time of 1:12.31. Her victory came in front of a raucous crowd of orange-clad fans, and with her fiancé, YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, cheering from the stands.
Leerdam’s win followed a strong performance by her Dutch teammate, Femke Kok, who set a new Olympic record just moments earlier in 1:12.59. Defending champion Miho Takagi of Japan took bronze with 1:13.19, a mark that had been the previous Olympic best from the Beijing Games.
After crossing the finish line, Leerdam blew kisses toward Paul and formed a heart with her hands, tears streaking her cheeks. “My makeup was everywhere,” she said with a laugh. “But that’s a good thing, I think.”
Leerdam, 2022 silver medalist in the 1,000, has now won six world championship golds, including two in the 1,000 meters in 2020 and 2023. This season, she has dominated the distance, winning three of four World Cup races, including a victory over Kok in Germany last month. She will compete next Sunday in the 500 meters.
Her win has drawn attention not only for her athletic prowess but also for her massive social media following, amplified by her relationship with Paul. American skater Brittany Bowe praised Leerdam’s ability to perform under pressure, calling her a “one-of-one” talent with a platform unprecedented in the speedskating world.
