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Winter Olympics briefing: Leerdam lights up the ice but Britain’s medal wait goes on
| United Kingdom | politics

Winter Olympics briefing: Leerdam lights up the ice but Britain’s medal wait goes on

#Jutta Leerdam #Jake Paul #Winter Olympics #Milan #Speed Skating #Team GB #Netherlands

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Jutta Leerdam captured a major victory in speed skating, supported by her fiancé Jake Paul and the Dutch King.
  • The event took place in Milan, where fans and royalty gathered to support the Netherlands' dominant skating team.
  • Team Great Britain is still struggling to secure its first medal of the Winter Olympic Games.
  • Dutch speed skating culture remains a powerhouse due to historical ties to the sport and the country's geography.

📖 Full Retelling

Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam secured a triumphant victory at the Milan speed skating stadium on Monday, February 9th, 2026, delivering a dominant performance for the Netherlands during the Winter Olympics as her fiancé, American influencer and boxer Jake Paul, watched from the stands. The event drew massive crowds of Dutch supporters, including King Willem-Alexander, to witness the nation’s continued dominance in a sport that remains a central pillar of Dutch winter culture. While the Netherlands celebrated Leerdam’s success, Team Great Britain faced growing pressure as they continued their search for a first medal of the Games. The atmosphere in Milan was overwhelmingly orange, reflecting the deep-rooted passion the Dutch public holds for speed skating. This cultural obsession stems from the country’s history of frozen canals, where skating often serves as a practical mode of transport during harsh winters. The royal presence underscored the significance of the event, as the King joined thousands of fans in the stadium to support Leerdam and her teammates. Leerdam’s victory was particularly emotional for her partner, Jake Paul, who was seen visibly moved to tears by her athletic achievement on the world stage. Despite the Dutch celebration, the competition highlighted the contrasting fortunes of other competing nations. Femke Kok, another Dutch powerhouse who has secured the last three world titles over 500 meters, entered the event as a favorite despite facing physical setbacks late last year. Her resilience, combined with Leerdam's gold-medal form, solidified the Netherlands' status as the undisputed leaders of the oval. Meanwhile, the British delegation remains in a period of intense scrutiny, as several podium opportunities have slipped away early in the schedule. Looking ahead, the speed skating program continues to be the crown jewel for the Dutch team, who are expected to maintain their momentum across both short and long-distance disciplines. For athletes like Leerdam, these Games represent a career-defining moment, blending high-stakes professional performance with significant personal milestones. As the first week of competition progresses, the focus shifts to whether Team GB can break their drought and if the Dutch 'Orange Army' can continue their clean sweep of the podiums.

🏷️ Themes

Sports, Olympics, Culture

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📄 Original Source Content
<p>Jutta Leerdam’s fiance Jake Paul was moved to tears by her victory while Team GB are still waiting for a first medal</p><p>You couldn’t move for orange jumpers and coats in Milan’s speed skating stadium on Monday. Even the king was wearing one. Many Dutch people live for this sport in winter, when their waterways can freeze over, making it often more convenient to skate than walk.</p><p>Femke Kok has won the last three world titles over 500m. In November she brok

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