Jutta Leerdam, dubbed “the world’s hottest speed skater,” has admitted that she used her “excess weight” and strength to win the world championship in December. Leerdam dazzled during the ISU Speed Skating World Cup two weeks ago in Calgary.
The Dutch star finished first for the fourth time in a row in the 1000-meter sprint to take home the gold medal. Leerdam was the star of the show once more as she won by finishing the track in under one minute and thirteen seconds.
The 23-year-old skater has revealed the strange strategies that led to her recent world title victory.
Leerdam said in a statement to NPO Radio 1: “I have grown heavier and stronger. I now get strength from that excess fat.” In her acceptance speech, the 23-year-old said the following about the race: “It wasn’t a perfect race.
“Especially my opener, as I had a miss-stroke at the start but eventually I skated a 26.2 lap. When I saw that, I thought wow, and the speed came really easy. I learn every race. It doesn’t need to be perfect, especially not if you win by a 0.7s margin.
“But I want to get the best out of it every time of course.” As well as impressing on the ice, Leerdam is also known for catching the eye off it, having amassed a whopping 3.4 million followers on Instagram.
The Dutch diva experienced a record-breaking year, which she shared with her three million or more followers throughout 2022. “What a fantastic Championship,” she remarked in a post made after the World Cup.
“A full stadium after crazy years with no public. Skated two times under the 1.13 barrier, broke my own records, track records, skated a World record low land. Pfff. Thank you for sharing these happy moments with me!!”
Summing up her year in a later post with a catalogue of snaps, Leerdam added: “Some of my favorite 2022 moments / pictures. It has been a year with lows but mostly highs.
“I learned alot this year, about the people around me, about myself, my mindset, my body. I wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you to the people around me for being YOU. Let’s make 2023 a success. I wish all you guys the healthiest and happiest 2023.”
