Jutta Leerdam catches Trump's eye: 'A phenomenal athlete' – and it's all linked to Jake Paul
She's been a force on ice for years, but lately, all the buzz has been about something else: Jutta Leerdam has captured the attention of Donald Trump. The former US president recently called her a "phenomenal athlete" – and this is a guy who isn't usually 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 controversial boxer and influencer Jake Paul. Trump made it known that he's fully behind Jake Paul if he ever decides to venture 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 reportedly said. The clip has since gone viral, and not just in the US.
From the ice rink to the White House?
For those who haven't heard of 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 fame 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 polarising figure – known for his YouTube stunts and boxing matches against retired UFC fighters – but Jutta herself stays 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 landed herself in the corridors of American power. 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 her name and sing her praises is quite an achievement. Here in the Netherlands, we've been proud of her for a while, but this kind of international recognition elevates her status to a whole new level. She's increasingly moving in the circles of celebrities, influencers, and now, political heavyweights. Will she ever visit the White House herself? Maybe, as the first lady of a boxer who wants to be president. For now, Jutta is keeping her cool: her focus remains on skating, and everything else is just a bonus.
One thing's for sure: 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 grace.