Following his recent loss to Anthony Joshua, boxer Jake Paul found himself dealing with another emotional blow as his fiancée faced a devastating incident during her Winter Olympics trial.
Jutta Leerdam, Paul’s partner, encountered misfortune during the Netherlands speed skating trials on December 26. A fall during the event may have jeopardized her aspirations for the Winter Olympics.
“It’s really, really hard. And I know this is her whole life. Her whole dream. And everything she’s worked so hard for. My heart is broken,” Paul expressed to reporters. “This sport is so bizarre. She could just show up at the starting line and go again. And she had such a fast opening.”
The 26-year-old Leerdam was competing in the 1000m qualifying race, aiming to earn a spot in the team for the upcoming Winter Olympics, but unfortunately, a fall derailed her efforts soon after the race commenced.
With so much at stake, Leerdam was visibly upset as she left the ice. The national selection committee will soon decide if she can still participate in the Milan Winter Olympics next year.
“It felt like there was something on the ice,” Leerdam mentioned to reporters post-race. “Or a blunt spot on my skate. You just don’t want this. I’m so bummed.”
She added, “I don’t even know what happened. It felt like I was standing on something. I just completely slid away. I’m skating so well in practice and I was so excited.”
Despite facing his own injury during his Netflix fight against British Olympian Anthony Joshua, Paul supported his girlfriend on Friday, cheering her on while recovering from a broken jaw.
Although the outcome was not what she wanted, Paul remained hopeful about her prospects for the Winter Olympics.
“We all know this is her race,” Paul remarked. “She’s won multiple World Cups, so hopefully justice will be done for her and she can be there to represent the Netherlands at the Olympics.”
He continued, “I know how hard she works and how good she skates. It’s just so sad.”
Leerdam was aiming to compete and realize her goal of winning Olympic gold at the forthcoming games in Italy, scheduled for February.
She previously competed in the Beijing games, earning a silver medal, and has twice claimed victory in the 1000m event at the Speed Skating World Cup.
Despite the disappointment of Friday’s race, Leerdam returned to the ice on Sunday for the 500m event, finishing in second place, bringing joy to her fiancé.