Jake Paul's Olympic kiss with gold medallist Jutta Leerdam sparks frenzy in Milan
The 2024 Winter Olympics in Milan saw dramatic moments in the women's 500m speed skating event. Dutch skaters dominated the podium, breaking records and sparking controversy. Meanwhile, social media star Jake Paul made headlines after attending the event and sharing a public kiss with gold medallist Jutta Leerdam.
The competition began with Femke Kok setting an Olympic record in heat 13 of the 500m. Her time stood until the final pair, when Jutta Leerdam took to the ice. Skating on a track with bends likened to the famous 'Dutch Corner' of Alpe d'Huez, Leerdam shattered Kok's record by 28 hundredths of a second. The victory secured her a gold medal, three years after winning silver in Beijing.
Leerdam's arrival in Milan had already drawn attention. She travelled by private jet, creating a buzz in the mixed zone. Initially, she avoided interviews, citing pressure from Dutch media. But after her win, emotions ran high as she celebrated with a kiss from Jake Paul, her fiancé since 2019.
Paul, a polarising figure with 50 million followers across YouTube and Instagram, attended the event and was seen sharing lighthearted moments with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. His presence added to the media frenzy, especially as Leerdam's public image shifted from positive to heavily criticised during these Games. German outlets like TV SPIELFILM and n-tv highlighted her behaviour as a point of contention.
The Dutch team ultimately secured a one-two finish, with both skaters rewriting Olympic history. Yet the focus extended beyond the ice, as Leerdam's relationship with Paul and her off-track actions kept reporters talking.
Leerdam's record-breaking performance cemented her place in Olympic history. But the mix of sporting triumph, celebrity attention, and media scrutiny left a lasting mark on the event. The 500m race will be remembered as much for its drama as for its athletic achievements.
