Key Highlights
- She backtracked but eventually only talked to public broadcasters NOS. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementShe is due to compete on Monday in the 1,000 metres where she won Olympic silver in 2022 and two world titles. Leerdam insisted in the NOS interview that she was simply focussing on the Olympics."I wanted to stay in my bubble a bit and prepare for the match.
- That way, I don't necessarily have to share a lot," she said."I also don't speak with the media ahead of world championships.
- I don't have a lot to say, and am fully focussed on working every day to become better on the ice.
- I am working towards a competition so I don't have a lot to say."Of course, I share a lot online, and I also talk about how I'm doing, so I don't feel like I need to do that in other places as well.
- Because I'm already quite open, I think."AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLeerdam is almost even more famous for her social media activities than for her skating. She has some 5 million followers on Instagram and she is the fiancee of United States influencer Jake Paul - who made headlines recently when he lost a boxing bout against Briton Anthony Joshua. Leerdam was criticised ahead of the Games for flying to Italy in a private jet while the rest of the team was on regular flights. Speed skating is the most important sport for the Netherlands at Winter Olympics and they are the most successful nation.
