Jutta Leerdam catches Trump's attention: 'A great athlete' – and it's all tied to Jake Paul
She's been a phenomenon on the ice for years, but lately, all anyone can talk about is this: Jutta Leerdam has also caught the eye of Donald Trump. The former US President recently called her a "great athlete," which is high praise from someone who isn't easily impressed by international sports stars. But then again, Jutta is no ordinary speed skater.
The moment Trump shared his praise came during a chat about her fiancé: the infamous boxer and influencer Jake Paul. Trump made it clear he fully supports Jake Paul if he ever decides to step into politics. And as if that wasn't enough, he added in the same breath that he's seriously impressed with Jutta too. "A beautiful woman and an incredible athlete," he reportedly said. The clip is now going viral, and not just in the States.
From the ice rink to the White House?
For those who haven't met Jutta Leerdam yet: the 25-year-old from South Holland is a multiple world sprint champion and claimed silver in the 1000 metres at the Beijing Olympics. But her popularity now stretches far beyond the world of speed skating. 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 polarising 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 tangled in political debates. Yet, through Jake, she seems to have unintentionally landed herself in the heart 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?
Having a former US president know your name and sing your praises is no small feat. Back in New Zealand, we're already proud of our own champions, but this kind of international recognition takes her status to a whole new level. She's increasingly moving in circles of celebrities, influencers, and now, political heavyweights. Will she ever visit the White House herself? Maybe one day, as the first lady of a boxer with presidential ambitions. For now, Jutta is keeping her cool: her focus remains on skating, and the rest is a nice bonus.
One thing's for sure: Jutta Leerdam can no longer be overlooked in the international spotlight. And whether she's on the ice or in the arms of Donald Trump's approval – she handles it with equal grace.