Though she hasn't even stepped on the ice yet, speed skater Jutta Leerdam is already facing criticism at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Leerdam, 27, won a silver medal for the Netherlands during the 2022 Beijing Olympics. We also can't forget that she has captured a few gold medals at the World Championships in the 1000 meters and team sprint events. She'll enter the 2026 Olympics with a ton of confidence in the 1000m since she has won three of her four World Cup races this season.
As for her personal life, Leerdam is currently engaged to boxer Jake Paul. They've been together since early 2023 and plan on getting married later this year.
Even though Leerdam hasn't said anything controversial leading up to the Olympics, she's receiving backlash for flying to Italy on a private jet.
Toru Hanai - International Skating Union/Getty Images
Did Leerdam make the wrong move?
Dutch reporter Johan Derksen believes Leerdam should've traveled to the Olympics alongside her compatriots.
“Her behavior is horrible to me, like that of a diva. If I were her coach, I wouldn’t tolerate that,” Derksen said, via the New York Post. “Gradually the whole of the Netherlands is starting to get a bit fed up with her behavior.”
Judging by the responses to Leerdam's latest Instagram post, multiple fans agree with Derksen.
"Oh Jutta, you don't understand so little about life yet.. A private flight?! What do you mean 'team' Holland?" an Instagram user wrote.
"A private jet really sets a bad example for your fans... There is still less and less natural ice due to the climate crisis," a second person wrote.
"The bigger the pollution, the better," another person sarcastically commented.
As of this Friday afternoon, Leerdam hasn't responded to any of the backlash online.
Leerdam is set to compete in the women's 500m and 1000m at the 2026 Olympics.
Speed skating at the Olympics will take place from Feb. 7-21. It'll be televised on NBC and USA Network.