Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam has achieved a historic victory at the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics by winning the gold medal in the women's 1000m event, setting an Olympic record of 1:12.31. Overcome with emotion, Leerdam's victory marks a significant milestone in her career, which includes a silver medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and multiple world championship medals. Leerdam, part of a dominant Dutch team, has gained international recognition not only for her athletic prowess but also for her massive social media following, with over 5.5 million followers on Instagram and two million on TikTok. Her fiancé, American influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul, was present at the event, cheering her on and celebrating her success. Leerdam faced intense pressure during her race, especially after teammate Femke Kok set a fast time earlier, but she managed to outperform expectations through determination and skill, earning her the title of Olympic champion. Her victory has generated widespread excitement among fans, especially in the Netherlands, where the crowd was notably enthusiastic, often wearing orange and cheering loudly. Leerdam expressed her happiness and disbelief at her achievement, with upcoming races, including the women's 500m, offering her further opportunities for medals. The event was part of a broader, vibrant atmosphere at the Milan Olympics, with notable moments including figure skater Ilia Malinin’s backflip and the unique experience of navigating the speed skating venue, which is connected to the metro and lined with moving walkways. Additionally, the Olympics featured new environmental measures, such as attached bottle caps to promote recycling, reflecting the event's commitment to sustainability.