Dutch Speed Skater to Skip Opening Ceremony

Jutta Lierdam, the Dutch speed skater criticized for taking a private jet to the 2026 Winter Olympics, has opted to remain in bed until the opening ceremony on Friday.

The two-time Olympian and fiancée of boxer Jake Paul shared on her Instagram Stories that she watched the opening match in Italy from her hotel room.

She posted a picture of the Dutch team greeting fans at Milan’s San Siro Stadium, adding an orange heart, a lion, and a Dutch flag emoji.

Lierdam’s choice to skip the opening ceremony with her teammates came just after she faced backlash for not joining them in Italy, instead arriving via private flight.

Former soccer star and current sports commentator Johan Derksen criticized Lierdam’s lavish travel, calling her actions “terrible” and “diva-like.” He remarked, “If I were her coach, I wouldn’t allow that to happen. Gradually the whole Netherlands is starting to get a little fed up with her behavior.”

Her private jet was even decorated for the occasion, featuring a “Success Jutta” flag. Additionally, she arranged cupcakes with the same phrase alongside gourmet dishes more typical of a top restaurant than a flight.

This marks Lierdam’s second Olympic participation, following her silver medal win in the women’s 1000m event at the 2022 Beijing Games.

Currently, she stands as the world’s No. 2 speed skater, aiming for victory in both the 1,000m and 500m events set for February 9th and 15th.

Lierdam is also a multiple world champion and holds the women’s team sprint world record alongside teammates Leticia de Jong and Femke Kok, with a remarkable time of 1 minute 24.02 seconds.