Away From Jake Paul, Jutta Leerdam Makes Concerns Clear About Speed Skating Plans
Jake Paul and Jutta Leerdam are one of those power couples that many look forward to. Both of them are supportive of each other’s separate sports careers and have been spotted cheering each other on from the stands. However, sometimes career responsibilities take precedence over their relationship, leading them to make tough decisions in their lives.
This time, it was the Dutch speed skater who revealed her plans for the upcoming holiday season. Jutta Leerdam will be away from her boxer boyfriend for the holidays, as she recently announced her speed skating training schedule following her return from the ISU Speed Skating World Cup in Asia. It’s clear that Leerdam is determined to address the concerns from her fans and community about her recent drop in performance.
Set to Enjoy a Cozy Christmas
Just like many athletes, Jutta Leerdam plans to spend the holiday season at home in the Netherlands. But why isn’t she joining Jake Paul in the United States? The answer lies in her hectic travel schedule. During the World Cup matches, she had to take multiple flights, traveling from Dallas, Texas, to Nagano, Japan, and then to Beijing, China. Traveling across continents in such a short span of time is no easy feat, and the toll of constant jet lag affected her training. The demanding schedule ultimately impacted her performance in the 500m sprints in Nagano.
Despite the setbacks, Leerdam rebounded in Beijing, securing a silver medal. However, the Dutch speed skater knows she has much more to offer, and she’s determined to prove it. “Time to go home. Asia World Cup trip. It was better than expected & mostly great races, besides 2 races where I couldn’t show my power. Still struggling to have my body right some race days. Just frustrating, but we keep working on it,” Leerdam wrote on her recent Instagram story, highlighting the mixed outcome of her Asian World Cup performances. Nonetheless, her resolve remains strong, as she added, “Already so happy I have great days where I can finally show my power again this season! Time for some off-ice training and see you all end of December in Thialf!”
The World Cup isn’t over yet, as it will resume in January with its third leg taking place in Canada. Leerdam knows exactly what she needs to do in her training and remains optimistic about the opportunities in upcoming events. However, for now, it’s time to rest. The holiday season will allow her to have a cozy time at home, enjoying quality moments with family and friends.
A Balance Between Rest and Determination
Jutta Leerdam’s plans for the holidays involve more than just relaxation. Though she’ll take some time off from professional competitions, she will still stay active with off-ice training. This period of rest is also a crucial opportunity for Leerdam to rejuvenate both her body and mind after the grueling schedule she has been following.
The 25-year-old has never shied away from discussing her troubles openly. When many noticed her recent performance dip, she addressed the impact that her exhausting travel schedule had on her abilities. It’s this candid nature that endears Leerdam to her fans, as they get a firsthand look at the challenges she faces. Her willingness to be open about her struggles also reveals her dedication to self-improvement and achieving peak form.
Jutta Leerdam’s Awareness of Her Issues
Most people tend to avoid addressing their issues publicly, especially professional athletes who might be concerned about appearing vulnerable. But Jutta Leerdam is an exception. She is candid with her fans about her recent challenges during the ISU Speed Skating World Cup’s Asia leg, which saw her perform very differently in Nagano and Beijing. In Nagano, she struggled to even make it to the podium, whereas in Beijing, she went toe-to-toe with her competitors, ultimately clinching the silver in the 500m sprint.
This disparity in her performances raised questions within the speed skating community, and Leerdam did not shy away from acknowledging them. She openly stated, “Last week I was struggling with my feet. I wasn’t in the race. I worked on it a lot this week. I noticed during the warm-up that I can collapse with my ankle again. That makes a difference of almost a second, I think.” Such fine margins make a huge difference at the highest level, and Leerdam is acutely aware of the adjustments she needs to make. Her promise to fans is simple: she will continue to work on herself, and they can expect her to return stronger in future events.
With the World Cup set to resume next year, Leerdam is already preparing herself, both mentally and physically. Though she will be away from Jake Paul for the holiday season, her focus remains clear. The Dutch speed skater aims to regain her top form, and her fans will undoubtedly be there to cheer her on.
