Jutta Leerdam Wins Over Trump: 'A Magnificent Athlete' – And It's All Tied to Jake Paul
She's been a phenomenon on the ice for years, but recently, all the talk has been about this: Jutta Leerdam has caught the attention of Donald Trump. The former US president recently called her a "magnificent athlete" – and this is a man not easily impressed by foreign sports stars. But then again, Jutta is no ordinary speed skater.
The moment Trump shared his praise came during a conversation about her fiancé: the infamous boxer and influencer Jake Paul. Trump made it known that he'd fully back Jake Paul if he ever decided to enter politics. And as if that wasn't enough, he added in the same breath that he's also incredibly impressed by Jutta. "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 clinched 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 began, 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 polarising figure – known for his YouTube stunts and boxing matches against retired UFC fighters – but Jutta herself steers clear of controversy. She'd much rather pose on the red carpet than get tangled up in political debates. Yet, through Jake, she seems to have unintentionally found herself on the fringes of American power. Because with Trump's backing for Jake, Jutta automatically gets a slice of the Washington spotlight too.
What Does This Say About Jutta's Star Power?
The fact that a former US president knows her name and sings her praises is no small feat. Here in the Netherlands, we've been proud of her for ages, but this kind of international recognition catapults her status to a whole new level. She's increasingly moving in the world of A-list celebrities, influencers, and now, political heavyweights. Will she ever visit the White House herself? Maybe, as the first lady of a boxer with presidential ambitions. For now, Jutta is keeping her cool: her focus remains on skating, and everything else is a bonus.
One thing is certain: Jutta Leerdam is a permanent fixture in the international spotlight. And whether she's on the ice or in the company of Donald Trump – she handles it with equal amounts of grace.