Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam not only made history yesterday by winning gold in the 1000 meters at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, but also sent the nation into a frenzy with an unprecedented revelation on social media. Immediately during her first triumphant run on the ice, in which she shattered the Olympic record with a time of 1:12.31, the 27-year-old Frisian posted a message that went viral within minutes, unleashing a storm of reactions.
In this post, Leerdam revealed that Minister Rob Jetten (D66) had offered her a personal contract worth $10,000. The conditions were clear: throughout the Olympic period, she would be required to wear skates, a suit, and a helmet featuring explicit LGBT symbols (rainbow flags, pride colors, and slogans), and she would have to actively promote her “full support of the inclusion agenda.” According to Leerdam, it wasn’t a subtle request, but a firm demand: “Accept it or you will receive no further government support for your career after these Games.”
Her response was short and powerful. Within five minutes of Jetten’s accusation – which she
“I skate for gold, not for ideology. The Netherlands deserves athletes who win, not political puppets.”
That sentence exploded on social media. Within an hour, it garnered 1.2 thousand likes, 450,000 retweets, and comments. The hashtag #JuttaVoorGoud reached the number one trend in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and even parts of the United States within two hours. Thousands of Dutch people, from ordinary citizens to former top athletes, rallied behind her en masse.
“I have goosebumps,” wrote former speed skater Ireen Wüst on Instagram. “This is exactly why I love Jutta: she stays true to herself and to the sport. No politician should force an athlete to do propaganda.” Sven Kramer, the legendary speed skater, also responded: “Respect, Jutta. You have more balls than the entire House of Representatives combined.”
The anger is primarily focused on Rob Jetten. Many Dutch people find it unacceptable that a government official is trying to blackmail a top athlete with millions of euros in taxpayers’ money to convey a political message. “This is not inclusion, this is coercion,” wrote PVV leader Geert Wilders on
Even within D66, there’s grumbling. Several anonymous party members told De Telegraaf that “these kinds of actions only harm the party.” “We will even promote, not force,” said an insider. “Jutta is not an enemy, she’s not an icon of Dutch sports.”
Leerdam herself remained largely silent after her post. In a short interview with NOS Studio Sport, immediately after the race, she simply said: “I’m here to skate. I respect everyone, but I won’t let anyone tell me what to wear or say. This gold is for the Netherlands, not for any political party.”
Her performance on the ice was impressive enough. She led the entire race, broke the Olympic record that had stood for 16 years, and convincingly beat her compatriot Femke Kok by 0.28 seconds. The announcement at the Iza oval in Milan cheered her on as if she were at home in Heerenveen. Millions of Dutch people watched on TV and celebrated – until her announcement appeared online.
The timing could hardly have been more dramatic. Just as the Netherlands was cheering en masse for their new Olympic champion, she revealed an attempt at political interference. Critics see it as proof that the government is trying to hijack sports for its own purposes. “This is exactly what people are tired of,” said sports commentator Jack van Gelder. “Just let athletes play sports. No rainbow flag requirement, no flag requirement, no ideology requirement.”
The debate escalated rapidly. Advocates of inclusion believe Leerdam missed an opportunity. “She could have used a platform to do something good,” wrote a columnist in de Volkskrant. But the vast majority of responses support her. Social media is dominated by messages like “Jutta is a real winner,” “Not a cent for Jetten,” and “Sports is sports, politics is politics.”
Leerdam is also receiving international support. American short track speed skater Brittany Bowe tweeted: “Respect to Jutta. Athletes should never be forced to carry any agenda.” Even several Canadian and Swedish skaters liked her post.
For Rob Jetten, it’s a nightmare. His reputation as a progressive minister is at stake. Within D66, there are already whispers of an emergency meeting. “This could be very damaging electorally,” says a party strategist. “Many voters see this as patronizing and blackmail.”
Meanwhile, Jutta Leerdam is enjoying her golden moment. She’s already announced that she’s fully focused on the upcoming races: the 1500 meters, the mass start, and possibly the team pursuit. “I still have three chances for more gold,” she told NOS with a laugh. “That’s what I’m going for. Not for contracts, not for discussions. For the Netherlands.”
Her fifteen words will resonate long after: “I skate for gold, not for ideology. The Netherlands deserves athletes who win, not political puppets.” It’s a phrase that has become symbolic for a growing group of Dutch people who believe that sports should remain free from political interference.
Whether this affair will have consequences for the relationship between sports and politics in the Netherlands remains unclear. But one thing is certain: Jutta Leerdam has not only won a gold medal, but also the heart of a nation. She is more than just a speed skater. She has become a symbol of pride, independence, and pure athletic success.
And that, it seems, is exactly what the Netherlands needs.
