Jutta Leerdam Puts Her Iconic Olympic Skating Suit Up for Auction and Sparks Public Debate Over Athlete Luxury Behavior in Milan-Cortina

The Winter Olympics just got a little glitzier — and a lot more headline-grabbing — thanks to Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam.

Her remarkable performance in Milan-Cortina, where she claimed gold in the 1,000m and a silver elsewhere, has already made her a household name.

Now, her iconic racing suit is in the spotlight again — this time at auction.

From Finish Line to Million-Dollar Spotlight

Leerdam, 27, who is also engaged to Jake Paul, stunned the crowd after unzipping her racing suit post-race to reveal a white Nike sports bra.

That split-second moment reportedly earned her a $1 million payday from the sportswear giant, whose social media reach helped amplify the viral scene.

With 298 million Instagram followers tuned in, Nike certainly made a splash — and so did Leerdam.

What made the moment even more noteworthy is that she wasn’t breaking any rules.

The International Olympic Committee confirmed that her post-race reveal didn’t violate advertising regulations.

IOC marketing director Anne-Sophie Voumard explained that zipping down a tight suit after competition is normal for skaters, not a marketing stunt.

Auction Spotlight: A Bright Orange Legacy

The Dutch Olympic team has now put Leerdam’s bright orange suit up for auction.

It’s currently displayed at the Staatsloterij TeamNL House, with online bidding already reaching £2,448 ($3,304) just days before the auction closes.

This isn’t an isolated case. Other Dutch athletes are following suit — literally — by auctioning Olympic memorabilia to benefit local sports clubs.

Jens van ‘t Wout’s opening ceremony jacket has raised £2,619 ($3,527), and other items, including the flag he waved and the suit he wore for gold, are also being auctioned.

Femke Kok is donating her proceeds to her home club, De Kluners Skating Training Club in Wijnjewoude.

Controversy and Criticism

While her Olympic performance earned admiration, Leerdam’s off-ice behavior has sparked debate.

She faced backlash for skipping the Opening Ceremony, opting to watch from her hotel bed rather than march with teammates.

Critics also scrutinized her choice to arrive in Milan on a private jet complete with custom flags and handmade cupcakes, which fueled perceptions of “diva” behavior.

Former Dutch footballer Johan Derksen publicly criticized her for luxury travel and perceived self-centeredness, saying the Netherlands was starting to tire of her attitude.

Despite her record-breaking achievements on ice, the skater’s persona continues to divide public opinion.

The Viral Moment and Marketing Impact

Leerdam’s race-day actions were amplified globally, thanks to Nike’s massive reach.

The unzipping moment became a cultural touchpoint, sparking millions of shares online and contributing to her growing brand value.

Even amid criticism, she’s cemented her status as one of the Games’ most talked-about athletes.

What’s next?

• The online auction for Leerdam’s suit closes in eight days, likely drawing even higher bids.

• Other Dutch Olympians may continue listing memorabilia to support grassroots clubs.

• Public discourse on athletes’ luxury lifestyles versus their national representation may intensify.

• Leerdam’s marketing and sponsorship opportunities are expected to expand as her global profile grows.

Summary

By ISABEL BALDWIN, US ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Jutta Leerdam’s Winter Olympics triumph has gone beyond gold and silver medals.

Her iconic racing suit is now up for auction, generating excitement and controversy in equal measure.

While she has avoided IOC penalties for her post-race reveal, public criticism over her perceived “diva” behavior and luxury travel continues.

Meanwhile, proceeds from auctions of her and other Dutch athletes’ memorabilia are benefiting local sports clubs.

Leerdam’s Olympic legacy now straddles both athletic excellence and viral cultural influence, with her profile — and earning potential — continuing to soar.