Dutch Speedskater Jutta Leerdam Wins Olympic Gold, Recalls Criticism for Wearing Makeup

Leerdam opened up about an emotional photo capturing her Olympic triumph and the judgment she faced for being true to herself.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jutta Leerdam, the Dutch speedskater who won gold in the women's 1000m event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, emotionally recalled being "judged" for wearing makeup while competing. Leerdam, who is engaged to Jake Paul, shared a vulnerable Instagram post about a photo capturing a black teardrop on her cheek, which she said symbolized the pressure and criticism she has faced throughout her career for expressing her femininity. Despite the negativity, Leerdam remained determined and went on to break the Olympic record in the 1000m race.

Why it matters

Leerdam's story highlights the challenges female athletes can face when they choose to embrace their femininity, such as wearing makeup, and how societal expectations and double standards can impact their confidence and performance. Her openness about this issue can help raise awareness and inspire other women to unapologetically be themselves.

The details

In her Instagram post, Leerdam explained that the photo captured her moment of triumph, where she proved "you don't have to become less of yourself to achieve something great." She revealed that she had been "judged" throughout her career for wearing makeup while competing, but she refused to let the criticism dim her light. Leerdam's makeup-filled tears symbolized the hard work, pressure, and determination that fueled her Olympic gold medal win in the 1000m event, where she broke the Olympic record.

  • Leerdam won gold in the women's 1000m event on February 9, 2026.
  • Leerdam won silver in the women's 500m event on February 15, 2026.

The players

Jutta Leerdam

A 27-year-old Dutch speedskater who won gold in the women's 1000m event and silver in the women's 500m event at the 2026 Winter Olympics. She is engaged to social media star and boxer Jake Paul.

Jake Paul

A 29-year-old social media star and boxer who is engaged to Jutta Leerdam and was in the stands cheering her on during her Olympic victories.

Femke Kok

A Dutch speedskater who won gold in the women's 500m event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, defeating Erin Jackson of Team USA.

Erin Jackson

A Team USA speedskater who was the defending gold medalist in the women's 500m event from the 2022 Beijing Olympics, but finished fifth in the 2026 Winter Games.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For me, this picture captured everything my Olympics stood for. This moment proves you don't have to become less of yourself to achieve something great. That your looks don't define you as a person or as an athlete. That if you work hard and stay determined, it will all come together.”

— Jutta Leerdam (Instagram)

“It's so ironic because my winged eyeliner and make-up are something I've been judged for during my whole career, when all it ever did was give me confidence and make me feel feminine and powerful.”

— Jutta Leerdam (Instagram)

“I did this for me, my younger self, my family and for all women who don't want to be put in a box and just want to be their authentic selves. A reminder that you can be soft and strong, disciplined and feminine, all at once. Never let anyone dim your light.”

— Jutta Leerdam (Instagram)

The takeaway

Jutta Leerdam's powerful story of overcoming criticism for embracing her femininity as a female athlete serves as an inspiration for women to unapologetically be their authentic selves and not let societal expectations or double standards hold them back from achieving their dreams.