On and off the ice, Dutch speed skating star Jutta Leerdam succeeds
Jutta Leerdam has rapidly emerged as one of the biggest rising stars in speed skating, dominating headlines both for her performances on the ice and her soaring popularity off it. The younger Dutch skater has racked up medals at main tournaments, collected hundreds of thousands of social media followers and is now making waves with her high-profile dating. Her meteoric rise to stardom has been nothing quick of splendid.
Dutch speed skating Background and early speed skating career of Jutta Leerdam
Born in 1999 in Hoogmade, Netherlands, Leerdam first stepped onto the ice at age 7. Showing early talent, she joined a local skating club and then the regional team Zuid-Holland at age 11. Leerdam swiftly ascended the junior ranks, winning the Dutch Junior Sprint Championships in 2015.
The following year, Leerdam introduced herself at the senior international stage, triumphing bronze at the 2016 World Junior Championships. After placing 4th on the senior World Sprint Championships in 2017, she earned a spot at the Dutch country wide team.
Breakout Season and Olympic Debut in Pyeongchang 2018 for Dutch speed skating Jutta Leerdam
Jutta Leerdam had her breakout year in the course of the 2017/18 season, triumphing her first World Cup race within the 1000m. At the 2018 World Championships, she snagged silver in the 1000m and bronze in the 500m.
Aged just 18, Leerdam competed at her first Olympics at Pyeongchang 2018. She finished 17th in the 500m and 7th in the 1000m, gaining valuable big-stage experience as one of the youngest skaters.
Becoming World Sprint Champion and 500m Record Holder
The 2019/20 season saw Leerdam ascend to the pinnacle of sprint skating. At the World Single Distances Championships, she won silver in both the 500m and 1000m. Leerdam then capped off the season in spectacular style at the 2020 World Sprint Championships.
She dominated the competition, winning three of four races including breaking the 500m world record. This cemented her status as the number one female sprinter in speed skating as the new world sprint champion.
Olympic Medal and World Cup Glory in 2021/22 Season
Building up to the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Leerdam continued her winning ways during the 2021/22 World Cup circuit. She triumphed in two 1000m and one 500m race prior to the Games.
At the Olympics, Leerdam won silver in the 1000m, adding to her bronze in the 500m for an impressive double podium. She finished the season as the overall World Cup winner of both the 500m and 1000m sprints. Subsequent to winning the race, Jutta Leerdam shared a TikTok video.
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@juttaleerdam❤️🔥🇳🇱🥇♬ origineel geluid – Jutta Leerdam
Recent Successes and Current Form
In the ongoing 2022/23 season, Leerdam successfully defended her 1000m title at the World Cup stop in Calgary with a track record time. She also won 500m bronze and 1000m silver at the latest World Cup in Poland.
Ranked number one in the 500m and second in 1000m in the current World Cup standings, Leerdam is in red-hot form and favorite to medal at the upcoming World Championships in March.
The training regime and coaches of Jutta Leerdam
Behind Leerdam’s results is an intense training regimen under leading Dutch coaches. She trains up to 9 sessions per week on and off the ice. This includes extensive sprint-focused sessions, strength training and meticulous video analysis.
Leerdam’s coaches include US legend Peter Mueller who focuses on her technique and Jac Orie who heads up training at Team Jumbo. Their experience and guidance has been pivotal to honing Leerdam’s raw talent.
How Dutch Jutta Leerdam speed skating and his specialties
Leerdam has tailored her training to optimize her explosive power and speed off the start line. This allows her to gain early advantages in the low 500m sprints where races can be decided in fractions of a second.
Her silky smooth technique, coordination and ability to maintain top speed through the final lap makes Leerdam unmatched currently in the 1000m also. While less dominant in longer distances, Leerdam’s sprinting prowess could see her diversify to the 1500m in future.
Soaring Social Media Popularity and Influence
While blazing the ice, Leerdam has also lit up social media and become a major influencer. She boasts 755,000 Instagram followers andCounting, up from just 45,000 in 2018. Her YouTube channel has over 31,000 subscribers.
Leerdam gives fans an inside look into her training, competitions and personal life through Instagram posts and vlogs. She lands numerous endorsements as a social media celebrity. Leerdam is one of the most recognizable and popular female winter sports athletes worldwide currently.
Notable Brand Partnerships and Sponsors
Leerdam’s massive social media following coupled with competitive success has made her hugely attractive to brands. She has landed sponsorship deals with Red Bull, Oakley, Kramer Sports and TalentNed media agency.
Other partners include sportswear giant Under Armour which signed Leerdam in 2021. Being part of Under Armour’s roster of global star athletes has further heightened her profile.
Ventures Beyond Speed Skating
Earning growing celebrity status, Leerdam is involved in projects beyond speed skating also. She launched a collaboration with clothing brand L’Homme Rouge in 2021, inspired by her passion for fashion.
In 2022, Leerdam participated in the Dutch versions of reality dance competition Dancing with the Stars as well as drag show Make Up Your Mind. Showing her versatility, she made it into the finals of both shows.
Significance of Role Model Position for Young Fans
As one of the top female athletes in her sport, Leerdam is conscious of being a role model for young girls. On her website she shares that: “I want to show girls and young women that you can combine femininity and ambition.”
Leerdam hopes to inspire more girls to pursue professional sports through demonstrating it is possible to balance athleticism, self-expression and interests beyond sports also.
Charity Initiatives and Outreach
The skating star dedicates time to engage with and give back to the community. She is an ambassador for Right to Play Netherlands which works on youth development globally using sport.
Leerdam visits schools to share her experiences, took part in a 2021 charity campaign that raised over $150,000 and regularly holds fan contests on social media. She aims to spark speed skating interest and promote healthy, active lifestyles.
Relationship with YouTuber Jake Paul
Leerdam generated huge buzz in January 2023 by confirming her relationship with American YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul. Rumors had swirled since late 2022 when they were spotted together.
Paul finally made it “Instagram official” through posts expressing his love for the “golden wifey” Jutta Leerdam. As Jake Paul has over 20 million subscribers across his channels, the relationship has intensified public interest in Jutta Leerdam.
Dutch speed skating star Jutta Leerdam Response to Critics of Relationship
Some figure skating fans have criticized Leerdam’s relationship with the controversial Paul, who generates headlines for his brazen antics. However, Leerdam responded that she focuses only on positive energy and what makes her happy.
Leerdam seems prepared for the spotlight and added attention from being linked to celebrity Jake Paul. She has maintained transparency with fans while requesting privacy around her personal life.
Dutch speed skating star Jutta Leerdam Future Outlook and Potential
At just 23 years old, Jutta Leerdam appears poised for continued success and stardom in coming years. Her sights are set on defending her Olympic and world sprint titles in 2026 and 2027 respectively.
If Leerdam can fend off young talents also on the rise like Japan’s Miho Takagi, she can cement her name in speed skating history. With her celebrity status, expect Leerdam’s popularity to keep skyrocketing off the ice too.
Conclusion
Driven, charismatic and multi-talented, Jutta Leerdam has been a revelation in speed skating with her meteoric rise over recent years. Her incredible performances have placed her atop the sprinting world, while her influencer presence attracts legions of fans. As she enters her prime, Leerdam is undoubtedly one of the most eminent and electrifying athletes to watch now and for years to come.
FAQ’s
How old is Jutta Leerdam and where is she from?
Jutta Leerdam is 23 years old and from Hoogmade, Netherlands. She began skating at age 7 and joined the Dutch national team in 2017 at age 17.
What are some of Leerdam’s biggest speed skating achievements?
Leerdam is the 2020 World Sprint champion, 2021/22 World Cup 500m and 1000m champion, and won 1000m silver and 500m bronze at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. She also holds the 500m world record.
How many social media followers does Leerdam have?
Leerdam has over 750,000 Instagram followers and 31,000 YouTube subscribers. Her social media fame has made her an influencer with numerous endorsements.
What sponsorships and partnerships does Leerdam have?
Leerdam is sponsored by Red Bull, Oakley, Under Armour, TalentNed and Kramer Sports. She also has fashion collaborations with L’Homme Rouge and others.
What TV shows has Leerdam participated in?
Beyond speed skating, Leerdam took part in the Dutch versions of Dancing with the Stars and drag show Make Up Your Mind in 2022, making the finals of both.
What is Leerdam’s training like for speed skating?
Leerdam trains up to 9 sessions per week, focusing on sprinting power and technique. Her coaches include Jac Orie and legend Peter Mueller.
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