YouTube star Jake Paul has a new lady in his life – Dutch Olympic speed skater Jutta Leerdam. The unlikely couple started spending time together in Miami late last year and romance soon blossomed.
23-year-old Leerdam is considered one of the top female speed skaters in the world, having won gold in the 1,000 meters at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. She caught the attention of the American public during her medal win, but little did people know she would end up dating one of YouTube’s biggest stars just a year later.
Paul, 26, has been linked to various models and influencers over the years but seemed smitten with Leerdam when they began meeting up. According to sources close to the pair, they initially met through mutual friends while Leerdam was visiting the States.
“There was an instant attraction and chemistry between them,” says an insider. “While they come from very different worlds, they just clicked right away.”
The couple went public with their relationship in January 2023, posting pictures together on Instagram from a romantic getaway in St. Barts. They also went Instagram official for Valentine’s Day with loving posts dedicated to each other.
While Paul has faced various controversies in the past tied to his brash internet persona, sources say Leerdam has had a positive impact on him.
“Jake really lights up around Jutta. She balances him out and gives him a sense of grounding he hasn’t had before,” the insider reveals. “They make each other laugh too – she totally gets his sense of humor.”
For Leerdam’s part, it seems to be smooth sailing with her new beau. The long-distance hasn’t been an issue so far, as they’ve been jetting back and forth between Los Angeles and the Netherlands to spend time together when possible.
Paul has even been spotted supporting Leerdam at her skating competitions across Europe. He cheered her on in the stands at the World Single Distance Speed Skating Championships in March.
With both of their careers continuing to rise, this sports-meets-entertainment power couple will undoubtedly be making more headlines together in the months to come. For now, sources say Paul and Leerdam are just enjoying getting to know each other better amidst their hectic lifestyles.
