Jutta Leerdam confirms Winter Olympics races she will compete in as proud Jake Paul hails ‘warrior’ fiancée

Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam has confirmed the Winter Olympic races she will compete in.

Leerdam’s Milan 2026 hopes were in tatters after she suffered a fall in the 1000m Olympics qualifying race last week.

AFP

However, the Dutch speed skater, who had done enough to secure her spot in the 500m race, was handed a lifeline by the Royal Dutch Speed Skating Association (KNSB).

Leerdam took to her official Instagram page to announce the good news to her 4.9m followers.

‘Milan, here we come.’

The 27-year-old posted a photo in her speed skating gear in front of the Olympic rings on New Year’s Day with the caption: “See you in Milan for the 500 & 1000m!!!

“After my fall in the 1000m, I refocused, bounced back and qualified for the 500m.

“Only nine Dutch women in total can qualify for the Games.

“I was one of the nine through my 500m. With one spot on the 1000m still available, the KNSB decided to add me to the 1000m!

“What makes me happiest is that this decision doesn’t affect any other woman in the process.

“So grateful that everything worked out.

“Milan, here we come.”

AFP

Fiancé Jake Paul was in attendance when two-time world champion Leerdam crashed in her qualifying race last week, just a week after suffering a broken jaw during his boxing match with Anthony Joshua.

And Paul commented on the post with three ‘lock’ emojis after the Dutch speed skater locked down her spot in Milan.

Paul hails ‘warrior’ fiancée

It comes just days after Paul posted his wife-to-be skating off the ice following her fall on his Instagram with the caption: “So proud of you warrior @juttaleerdam.”

“I know this is her whole life. Her whole dream. And everything she’s worked so hard for. My heart is broken,” Paul told reporters in the Netherlands following Leerdam’s tearful exit.

Leerdam, meanwhile, made an impassioned plea to selectors ahead of confirmation of her spot with the Dutch team for the Winter Olympics, stating: “I’m skating so well in practice. What those girls are skating here, I could have easily skated today.

“I’ve won the past World Cups. I’ve always been at least in the top two at the world level. I hope they (the selection committee) will look at my level, including today, how I was skating before I fell, and the growth I’m making.”

When do the Winter Olympics start?

The Winter Olympics, which takes place in Milan, Italy, starts on Sunday, 6th February and runs until Sunday, 22nd February.

The Olympics will feature 16 sports, including bobsleigh, ice hockey, curling, luge and the debut of ski mountaineering alongside speed skating.