Dutch speedskater Jutta Leerdam made history at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics by winning her first Olympic gold medal in the women’s 1,000-meter event, breaking the Olympic record with a stunning time of 1:12.31.
Her fiancée, American boxer Jake Paul, was visibly overcome with emotion, crying tears of joy in the stands as he watched Leerdam achieve her long-sought Olympic dream. Leerdam’s record-setting performance surpassed the time of her teammate Femke Kok, who had briefly held the lead with 1:12.59, earning her the silver medal. Japan’s Miho Takagi took bronze with 1:13.95.
The gold medal was a particularly emotional achievement for Leerdam, who had faced setbacks during the Dutch Olympic Trials, including a surprising fall that briefly cast doubt on her Olympic participation. Despite those challenges, she secured a spot on the team and capitalized on her opportunity in Milan Cortina.
The victory not only gave her the gold but also marked her second overall Olympic medal, following a silver at Beijing 2022. The Netherlands’ dominance in the event was evident with two skaters on the podium, while U.S. competitors Erin Jackson and Brittany Bowe finished outside medal contention with times of 1:15.00 and 1:14.55, respectively.
Jake Paul’s Tears Highlight Emotional Stakes And Public Persona Beyond Olympic Triumphs
Paul’s emotional response highlighted the personal side of the Olympics, where victories resonate far beyond the athlete alone. Surrounded by Leerdam’s family in the stands, Paul’s tears reflected the magnitude of the moment, demonstrating the depth of his support for his fiancée.
Their relationship has been highly publicized, and the couple announced their engagement in March 2025 via a joint Instagram post. The celebration underscored the intersection of personal life and global sporting achievement, with Paul’s joy mirroring Leerdam’s on-ice triumph.
Beyond the Olympic arena, Paul remains a polarizing public figure. Following Leerdam’s victory, he commented on a separate controversy surrounding Puerto Rican performer Bad Bunny at Super Bowl LX, criticizing the artist for publicly opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Jutta LeerdamPaul clarified his remarks in a subsequent tweet, emphasizing his love for Puerto Rico and asserting that his criticism targeted public disdain for America by those benefiting from its platforms. He linked this stance to similar criticisms he has made about athletes like Hunter Hess, reinforcing his outspoken persona while juxtaposing it with his emotional celebration of Leerdam’s success.
Leerdam’s Gold Medal Victory Highlights Resilience, Dedication, And Emotional Triumph Together
Leerdam’s achievement at Milan Cortina was not just a personal milestone but a testament to resilience, athletic excellence, and overcoming obstacles. Her gold medal run demonstrates the high stakes and razor-thin margins of elite speed skating, where mere inches can separate podium positions from disappointment.
For Paul, the moment represented the fulfillment of shared dedication and support, capturing the emotional impact of witnessing a loved one reach the pinnacle of sport. The event solidified both Leerdam’s place in Olympic history and the couple’s shared public narrative, blending athletic triumph with personal devotion.
This historic victory, combined with Paul’s tearful celebration, serves as a reminder of the human element in international competition: the joy, pride, and emotional investment that accompany record-breaking achievements on the world stage.
