In a heartbreaking turn of events, Dutch speed skating star Jutta Leerdam saw her path to the 2026 Winter Olympics thrown into uncertainty after a dramatic crash during the national trials. The incident, which occurred on Friday night in Heerenveen, was witnessed by her fiancé, the boxer and social media personality Jake Paul, who was trackside to offer his immediate support.
A Devastating Fall on the Ice
Competing in her signature 1000m event, Leerdam started strongly but lost her balance on the second bend. She slid hard into the boards, a fall that abruptly ended her race. Visibly distraught, the skater left the rink with tears in her eyes. The crash places her qualification for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games under the control of the national selection committee, which will now evaluate her season-long performance to decide her fate.
Leerdam struggled to pinpoint the exact cause of the fall. "I don't know if there was anything on the ice, but it felt like I was standing on something. I completely slid," she explained. She expressed deep frustration, emphasizing her strong form leading up to the race. "[I’ve been] riding so well in practice. What those girls are riding here, I could have easily ridden today," she added, highlighting the cruel unpredictability of the sport.
Jake Paul's Emotional Reaction and Support
Jake Paul, who is himself recovering from a broken jaw sustained in his fight with Anthony Joshua, did not hesitate to console his partner. Speaking to reporters, his heartbreak was palpable. "It’s really, really hard. And I know this is her whole life. Her whole dream. And everything she’s worked so hard for. My heart is broken," Paul said.
He pointed out the sudden nature of the setback, noting her fast opening. "This sport is so bizarre. She could just show up at the starting line and go again. And she had such a fast opening." Later, Paul took to Instagram to share his pride publicly, posting footage of Leerdam skating with the caption, "So proud of you warrior @juttaleerdam." His presence, despite his own injury, underscored his support for her Olympic journey.
Olympic Hopes Now Rest with Committee
With the automatic qualification spot lost, Leerdam made a compelling case for her selection based on her proven track record. "I've won the past World Cups. I've always finished at least in the top two at the world level ... I really want to win that medal for the Netherlands," she stated.
She appealed to the committee to consider her overall level and progress. "I hope they'll look at my level, including today. How I rode before I fell. And the growth I'm making." The selection committee's mandate is to weigh medal potential across the entire season, leaving a window of hope open.
Demonstrating resilience, Leerdam returned to competition shortly after the crash, participating in the 500m event where she secured a second-place finish. This strong performance in a secondary event helps keep her Olympic dream alive as the committee deliberates her place on the Dutch team for Milan 2026.
