Dutch Speed Skater's Ceremony Absence Sparks Debate Following Private Jet Controversy
Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam made a personal decision that rapidly evolved into a major point of discussion at the Winter Olympics in Milan. The athlete, who is engaged to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, opted not to participate in the traditional team walk-in during the opening ceremony at San Siro stadium.
Instead of joining her fellow Dutch athletes in the celebratory procession, Leerdam remained at her hotel, watching the event from her bed. She documented this moment on her Instagram Stories, sharing a photograph of the Dutch team appearing on television while adding symbolic emojis including an orange heart, a lion, and the Netherlands flag.
Timing Raises Eyebrows After Recent Criticism
The timing of Leerdam's ceremony absence proved particularly noteworthy, occurring merely twenty-four hours after she faced significant criticism on Dutch television. Former footballer and prominent TV analyst Johan Derksen publicly questioned her decision to travel to the Olympic Games via private jet rather than accompanying the rest of the Netherlands team.
Leerdam had previously shared social media posts from her luxury flight, displaying decorated items, cupcakes, personal screen displays, and a full meal service onboard. These images prompted Derksen to voice strong disapproval during his television appearance.
"She should want it of her own accord," Derksen stated emphatically. "She's already living like a millionaire, with private jets and everything. Her behavior is horrible to me, like that of a diva. If I were her coach, I wouldn't tolerate that. Gradually the whole of the Netherlands is starting to get a bit fed up with her behavior."
Mixed Reactions From Fans and Observers
The speed skater's Instagram post quickly attracted attention across social media platforms, generating divided responses from fans and observers:
- Some supporters defended her choice to prioritize rest and preparation before her upcoming competitions
- Others connected the ceremony absence to the growing public discussion about her lifestyle choices
- Many commentators noted the apparent connection between the private jet controversy and her decision to skip the ceremonial event
Focus Shifts to Upcoming Olympic Competitions
Despite the surrounding controversy, Leerdam's attention now turns toward her Olympic events. The accomplished skater is scheduled to compete in the women's 1000-meter speed skating event on Monday, followed by the 500-meter event on February 15.
Leerdam brings impressive credentials to these competitions, having secured a silver medal at the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022. She remains one of the Netherlands' primary medal hopefuls for the current Games. As of now, the athlete has not issued any public response to the criticism regarding her travel arrangements or ceremony absence.
The situation highlights the delicate balance elite athletes must maintain between Olympic preparation and public perception, particularly when personal choices become subjects of national discussion. With her competitions approaching rapidly, Leerdam faces the challenge of maintaining competitive focus while navigating the ongoing public discourse about her lifestyle and decisions.
