Jutta Leerdam has hit out at critics in a heartfelt post after bagging the Gold medal in the 1,000 metre speed skating race at the Winter Olympics.
The Dutch champion was overcome with emotion as she crossed the finish line after setting a new Olympic record in Milan Cortina on 9 February.
After her win, the 27-year-old, who is engaged to influencer Jake Paul, was accused of ambush marketing, when she unzipped her skating suit to reveal a Nike sports bra.
Advertising experts claimed Leerdam would likely see a payday of up to $1 million for the move, thanks to her sponsorship deal with the sportswear brand. However, Olympic officials have been quick to deny claims it was a marketing stunt, confirming the athlete would not be facing any sanctions.
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"I’m not an expert in speed skating, but I understand this (unzipping the uniform after a race) is normal practice for speed skaters when they finish their race because the suit is very tight," Olympic Committee TMS Managing Director Anne-Sophie Voumard said.
“It is normal practice and not a case of ambush marketing.”
Now, the Gold medallist has issued an emotional message on Instagram reflecting on her journey, while discussing the ‘irony’ of the criticism she’s faced because of the way she looks.
Sharing a photo of herself crying, with her black eyeliner dripping down her face, she said: “For me, this picture captured everything my Olympics stood for.
“This moment proves you don’t have to become less of yourself to achieve something great. That your looks don’t define you as a person or as an athlete. That if you work hard and stay determined, it will all come together.”
Leerdam continued: “It’s so ironic because my winged eyeliner and make-up are something I’ve been judged for during my whole career, when all it ever did was give me confidence and make me feel feminine and powerful.
“The pressure I’ve felt, the judgment I’ve dealt with around so many things, the hard work I’ve been putting in for so many years all came together in this moment.
“I never felt the need to prove anything. I did this for me, my younger self, my family and for all women who don’t want to be put in a box and just want to be their authentic selves.”
She concluded her powerful statement by telling her followers: “A reminder that you can be soft and strong, disciplined and feminine, all at once. Never let anyone dim your light.”
Topics: Olympics, Instagram, Winter Olympics, Sport
Emma Rosemurgey