Jutta Leerdam, a prominent Dutch speed skater and girlfriend of boxer Jake Paul, is causing a stir during the Winter Olympics in Italy and back home in the Netherlands. The 27-year-old athlete has refused to speak to the press ahead of her Olympic 1000-meter race on Monday, drawing harsh criticism from sports journalists and the public alike. This decision has angered many in the Netherlands, who expect athletes to engage with media during such significant events.

In response to Leerdam's actions, the Netherlands Sports Journalists Association (NSP) has formally protested her behavior. Gerard den Elt, the NSP's Secretary General, expressed outrage by labeling her actions as "inappropriate, unacceptable, and undignified for a team member," highlighting a lack of respect for both the Dutch media and the public. The NSP plans to file an official complaint to the head of the Dutch Olympic mission, illustrating how deeply the media community feels about this issue.

The situation raises questions about the athlete's responsibilities towards the media and public engagement, especially during high-stakes competitions like the Olympics. Leerdam's choice to arrive by private jet and dodge journalists might reflect her desire for privacy or focus, yet it also subjects her to criticism from her compatriots who expect Olympic athletes to represent their country and engage with fans and journalists alike. This controversy may impact her public image and the broader perception of Dutch athletes at the Olympics.