When boxing sensation Jake Paul met Dutch speed skating champion Jutta Leerdam in early 2023, few would have expected the unlikely duo to become one of the internet’s favorite power couples. With contrasting worlds of boxing rings and Olympic ice, Paul and Leerdam may seem like an odd pairing at first. But from their shared moments online to their mutual drive and admiration, these two have proven they’re the ultimate example of “opposites attract.”
With a combined social media reach of over 25 million followers, the pairing of Paul and Leerdam has captivated fans across the globe. Here’s a deep dive into their story and how Leerdam—the “Ice Princess” of Dutch speed skating—won over “The Problem Child” of boxing.
Jutta Leerdam: A Star on and off the Ice
Born in the Netherlands on December 30, 1998, Jutta Leerdam was destined to be extraordinary. While most young adults were finding their footing, Leerdam was already claiming her spot as one of the fastest skaters in the world. Known as the 1000m sprint World Champion, the Olympic silver medalist has shattered records on ice while becoming a social media phenomenon with over 4.5 million Instagram followers.
Leerdam’s influence stretches beyond her impressive skating skills. With brand deals from companies like Nike and Red Bull, she’s crafted a unique public image that challenges traditional athletic stereotypes. In a sport that often values lean frames, Leerdam has been open about her journey with body positivity, saying in Jake Paul’s BS w/ Jake Paul podcast:
“Normally I would cut so much weight, it made me really weak. And this year… I didn’t do it and my body thanked me.”
Her authenticity has resonated with fans, especially those who view her as a role model for balancing personal identity with competitive excellence.
How They Met: A Digital Fairytale
In today’s era, many modern romances begin with a DM, and this power couple was no exception. According to Jake, their story began when he reached out to Leerdam on Instagram with an invitation to his podcast. While it may have started as a casual exchange, Paul quickly sensed a connection, sharing on his podcast:
“I already knew that our vibes were gonna be like (claps) boom!”
The duo’s initial conversations soon blossomed into something much deeper. Instead of a high-profile introduction or mutual celebrity friends, Paul and Leerdam’s connection was built on shared interests and genuine conversation—a refreshing start for two public figures accustomed to the spotlight.
Going Public: Making It Instagram Official
By April 2023, the “are-they-or-aren’t-they” rumors surrounding Paul and Leerdam were put to rest when the couple made their relationship Instagram official. Jake playfully captioned their photo, “I’m Dutch now,” while Leerdam posted her own cozy pictures with the caption, “That’s it.”
Since then, their social media presence together has been filled with endearing moments, from joint podcast appearances to Paul sharing snippets of their daily life. They’ve even shared glimpses of the thoughtful ways they handle the distance. In a sweet revelation during a podcast episode, Leerdam shared:
“In the morning… he sends me, like, little vlogs… It feels like I’m really a part of your life.”
In turn, Paul mentioned his nightly ritual of sending her videos to make her feel close, despite the miles between them. Their long-distance relationship approach is as modern as it gets—yet unmistakably genuine.
Couple Goals: Mutual Support and Shared Dreams
Paul and Leerdam have quickly become each other’s biggest cheerleaders, with a strong bond built on understanding the demands of competitive sports. When Leerdam competes, Paul often finds himself in the stands, capturing the moment for his social media fans. Leerdam, meanwhile, brings her elegant European flair to Paul’s boxing matches, cheering him on from ringside.
Paul has even dubbed Leerdam his “new nutritionist,” saying in one of their videos:
“I wanna be like her. I wanna be a World Champion.”
This kind of accountability speaks volumes about their commitment to supporting each other’s goals—a refreshing approach in the influencer world, where personal brands often take precedence.
Traveling and Making It Work
Though separated by their respective careers, Jake and Jutta have mastered the art of balancing life, love, and work across continents. Their Instagram feeds are like travel diaries, filled with snapshots from cafes in Amsterdam to sunny beaches in Miami. Leerdam and Paul have mastered the art of strategic planning, regularly blocking off time in advance to ensure they can spend quality time together amid their busy schedules.
Looking Back at Paul’s Past Relationships
Paul’s love life has often played out in the public eye, with past romances marked by social media drama and high-profile relationships. His whirlwind “wedding” to YouTuber Tana Mongeau, his infamous split from Team 10 co-star Alissa Violet, and his on-again-off-again relationship with Julia Rose were all highly publicized affairs.
But Paul’s relationship with Leerdam feels markedly different. While they’re not shy about sharing moments with fans, there’s a sense of privacy and authenticity that his past relationships lacked. Gone are the clickbait headlines and staged social media stunts; in their place is a partnership that feels refreshingly grounded.
What Lies Ahead for Jake Paul and Jutta Leerdam
Jake and Jutta may not be rushing into any major commitments just yet, but they’ve openly discussed their hopes for the future. With their careers as the priority, the two have shown they’re taking a mature approach to love. They’re committed to maintaining their individual goals while growing together.
The fact that Leerdam and Paul have managed to carve out a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of fame is a testament to their compatibility. They’ve found that delicate balance between being public figures and keeping parts of their lives private—a rarity in today’s world of oversharing.
Breaking the Mold of Celebrity Relationships
Jutta Leerdam and Jake Paul’s relationship is one of the most unexpected and captivating love stories in recent memory. They’ve shown us that love can grow in the unlikeliest of places and that sliding into someone’s DMs might just lead to a real connection.
While we don’t know what the future holds for this power couple, one thing’s for sure: they’ve defied expectations and broken the mold. Their relationship stands as a modern-day fairytale, reminding us all that sometimes the most unlikely matches make the best love stories.