Jutta Leerdam catches Trump's eye: 'A phenomenal athlete' – and it's all got to do with Jake Paul
She's been a star on ice for years, but recently, all anyone can talk about is this: Jutta Leerdam has caught the attention of Donald Trump. The former US president recently called her a "phenomenal athlete" – and this from a man not easily impressed by foreign sports stars. But then again, Jutta is no ordinary speed skater.
The moment of praise came during a conversation about her fiancé: the infamous boxer and influencer Jake Paul. Trump made it clear he'd fully back Jake Paul if he ever decided to step into politics. And as if that wasn't enough, he added in the same breath that he's seriously impressed by Jutta too. "A beautiful woman and an incredible athlete," he's reported to have said. The clip has since gone viral, and not just in America.
From ice rink to the White House?
For those who don't know Jutta Leerdam yet: the 25-year-old from South Holland is a multiple world sprint champion and bagged silver in the 1000 metres at the Beijing Olympics. But her popularity now extends far beyond the skating world. With millions of followers on Instagram, she's one of the most influential athletes in the Netherlands. And since her relationship with Jake Paul, she's become a familiar face in the US too.
- Olympic silver in the 1000m (2022)
- World Sprint Champion (2022, 2023)
- Dutch record holder 1000m (1:13.08)
- Multiple World Cup victories in the 500m and 1000m
Her fiancé Jake Paul might be a divisive figure – known for his YouTube stunts and boxing matches against retired UFC fighters – but Jutta herself steers clear of controversy. She'd rather pose on the red carpet than get involved in political debates. Yet, through Jake, she seems to have unintentionally found her way into the corridors of American power. Because with Trump's backing for Jake, Jutta automatically gets a share of the Washington spotlight too.
What does this say about Jutta's star status?
Having a former US president know her name and sing her praises is no small feat. We've long been proud of her in the Netherlands, but this kind of international recognition elevates her status to a whole new level. She's increasingly moving in circles of celebrities, influencers, and now, political heavyweights too. Will she ever visit the White House herself? Possibly – as the first lady of a boxer with presidential ambitions. For now, though, Jutta's keeping her cool: her focus remains on skating, and everything else is a bonus.
One thing's for sure: Jutta Leerdam is here to stay in the international spotlight. And whether it's on the ice or in the company of Donald Trump – she handles it with equal grace.