“I find their behavior appalling”
Self-expression? Criticism of Olympic participant
02/05/2026 – 09:57 amReading time: 2 minutes
The Olympic Games are also occasionally used by athletes to promote themselves. One case is causing controversy in the Netherlands.
When the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo start on Friday at 8 p.m. (in the live ticker on t-online), Jutta Leerdam will once again be in focus. As was the case four years ago in Beijing, the 27-year-old is one of the most famous faces at the games. The speed skater from the Netherlands did not travel with the rest of the Oranje team, but rather in a private jet to Lombardy. On board: decorations and cakes with the inscription “Good luck, Jutta”.
Leerdam is in a public relationship with influencer and boxer Jake Paul (29). The American was beaten by Brit Anthony Joshua (36) in a fight in December. Around five million people follow the Dutch woman’s everyday life on Instagram. The Beijing Olympic silver medalist in the 1000 meters and seven-time world champion is not met with universal approval.
Their appearance is viewed critically, especially in the media. Johan Derksen (77), ex-journalist and former footballer for SV Meppen, among others, found clear words in the TV program “Vandaag inside”. Derksen said: “She should want this on her own. She already lives like a millionaire, with private jets and all the trimmings.” And further: “I find her behavior appalling, like that of a diva. But she is no different than the other speed skaters who take scheduled flights. I find it absolutely ridiculous. As a coach, I would not have tolerated it.”
Valentijn Driessen (62) from the daily newspaper “De Telegraaf” expressed himself in a somewhat more nuanced manner. Driessen said: “You almost only see Jutta. You could almost think she is the only representative of the Netherlands. But she definitely puts speed skating on the international map.”
