Additional Coverage:
- Jake Paul breaks down in tears as fiancée Jutta Leerdam shatters Olympic speedskating record (foxnews.com)
Milan, Italy – Love was truly on ice today at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, as Dutch speedskater Jutta Leerdam not only clinched her first Olympic gold medal but also shattered the 1,000-meter speed skating record with a blazing time of 1:12.31. And who was her biggest fan in the stands? Her fiancé, none other than the often-controversial boxer Jake Paul, who couldn’t hold back tears of pure joy as he watched Leerdam make history.
Paul, known for his outspoken nature and strong opinions, was visibly overcome with emotion, wiping away tears as Leerdam’s incredible performance unfolded. Surrounded by Leerdam’s equally emotional family, Paul was on his feet, celebrating every powerful stride that led to her record-breaking win. This victory marks a significant milestone for the 27-year-old skater, adding a gold medal to her silver from the 2022 Beijing Games.
The path to gold wasn’t entirely smooth for Leerdam, who faced a surprising fall during the Dutch Olympic Trials, temporarily casting doubt on her Olympic participation. However, she persevered, securing her spot on the Dutch team – a decision that clearly paid off in spades.
The 1,000-meter event was a thrilling display of speed, with Leerdam’s teammate Femke Kok initially setting a new record of 1:12.59 just moments before Leerdam’s run, ultimately earning her a silver medal. Japan’s Miho Takagi rounded out the podium, securing the bronze with a time of 1:13.95. American hopefuls Erin Jackson and Brittany Bowe finished further down the list, with Bowe narrowly missing a medal in fourth place.
While Paul’s emotional outpouring for Leerdam was undeniably heartwarming, it comes on the heels of a more contentious display of emotion from the boxer. He recently ignited a social media firestorm with comments directed at Super Bowl LX halftime show performer Bad Bunny.
Paul criticized the Grammy Award-winning artist, calling him a “fake citizen” for his public stance against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Paul later clarified his remarks, stating, “To clarify: I wasn’t calling anyone a ‘fake citizen’ because they’re from Puerto Rico. I live in Puerto Rico, and I love Puerto Rico.
I have used my platform to support Puerto Rico time and time again and will always do so. But if you’re publicly criticizing ICE who are doing their job and openly hating on America, I’m going to speak on it.
Period… If you benefit from a country and the platform it gives you, but publicly disrespect it at the same time, that’s what I mean by being a fake citizen. And I agree love is more powerful than hate.
Love America.”
Despite his recent controversies, Paul’s heartfelt reaction to Leerdam’s Olympic triumph showcased a different, more tender side to the polarizing personality. The couple announced their engagement in March 2025, and today’s gold medal win will undoubtedly be a cherished memory in their journey together.