Dutch Speed Skater Jutta Lierdam Addresses Body Image Judgment

After earning gold and silver medals at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Dutch speed skater Jutta Lierdam shared her thoughts on being judged for her appearance. This emotional reflection followed her impressive victory in the women’s 1,000m speed skating race, where she also set a new Olympic record.

The 27-year-old athlete’s photo—showing her tearful face with streaks of black mascara—went viral. In a recent Instagram post, she talked about how her makeup, which includes winged eyeliner, has given her confidence, even though she has faced teasing about it.

“For me, this photo captured everything my Olympics represented,” Lierdam expressed. “This moment shows that you don’t need to diminish yourself to accomplish something significant. Your appearance doesn’t define who you are, either as a person or an athlete. If you put in the effort and stay focused on your goals, you can achieve your dreams.”

She continued, saying, “It’s funny, really. I’ve always been appreciated for my winged eyeliner and makeup throughout my career, but it’s just been a way for me to feel confident, feminine, and empowered.”

Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “The pressure, the choices I’ve made, and all the hard work that piled up over the years have led to this moment.”

“Honestly, I’ve never felt the need to prove anything to anyone. I did this for myself, for my younger self, my family, and for all women who refuse to be boxed in and want to be true to themselves.”

Lierdam emphasized the importance of embracing all facets of identity, stating, “You can be soft, strong, disciplined, and feminine—all at once. Don’t let anyone dim your light.”

Leah Adam’s fiancé, boxer and YouTuber Jake Paul, commented, “It’s iconic,” as he showed support for Lierdam from the stands alongside his mother and hers, capturing an emotional moment after her gold medal win.

Lierdam not only achieved a new Olympic record in the 1,000m with a time of 1 minute 12.31 seconds but also secured a silver medal in the 500m, finishing just behind her teammate, Femke Kok, who set a new Olympic record of 36.49 seconds.

Interestingly, Paul and Lierdam announced their engagement while in Italy last March. This joyful celebration adds another layer to Lierdam’s remarkable journey in the Olympics.