Skipping Opening Ceremony and Posting Private Jet Photos Seen as Showing Off... Criticism Mounts: "Are You a Diva, Not an Athlete?"

Speed Skating Star Leerdam in the Spotlight
Fiance Visits Milan as a Spectator
Spotted Interacting with High-Profile Figures

The every move of star athletes competing at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is drawing attention. In particular, Dutch speed skating representative Jutta Leerdam is in the spotlight not only for her performance but also for her private life.

Reireudam drew criticism for traveling to the Olympics by private plane. Screenshot from Yuta Reireudam's social media.

Leerdam is engaged to Jake Paul, a professional boxer and former YouTuber with a huge number of followers, and the two are seen as a "power influencer couple." On February 8 (local time), the Associated Press reported on their movements at the Olympic venues, noting that these Games are further heightening public interest in the couple.

Paul did not compete as an athlete and instead came to Milan as a spectator. Locally, he was even spotted sitting next to U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and chatting with him.

Leerdam had earlier been embroiled in controversy for skipping the opening ceremony. British outlet The Sun reported that she did not attend the opening ceremony and instead watched it on TV from her accommodation. The outlet said she captured the TV screen and posted it on social media, showing herself cheering on the Dutch delegation.

YouTuber and boxer Paul Jake and Dutch speed skating representative Leerdam Jutta. Screenshot of Leerdam Jutta's SNS

Leerdam also drew criticism for traveling to the Olympics by private jet. She did not travel with the Dutch national team but instead flew alone by private plane to Milan. During the journey, she posted on social media about in-flight souvenirs bearing her face and the luxurious in-flight meals.

Some observers saw this behavior as "showing off," which further fueled the controversy. Johan Derksen, a former Dutch footballer and current television pundit, harshly criticized her, even describing her as "a diva."