Jutta Leerdam to DWTS? Why Fans Are Totally Convinced
Is Olympic Speed Skater Jutta Leerdam Joining Dancing With the Stars? All the Clues Explained Simply
Who Is Jutta Leerdam?
Jutta Leerdam is a super-fast speed skater from the Netherlands. Think of speed skating like running on ice with special long blades—she’s one of the best in the world at it.
- Olympic Gold Medalist: She won the 1,000-meter race at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics and even set a new Olympic record!
- Engaged to Jake Paul: Yes, that Jake Paul—the YouTuber-turned-boxer. They’re planning a wedding.
- Dutch National Hero: She trains at Thialf, a famous ice rink in Heerenveen, Netherlands, with other top skaters.
Why Do People Think She’s Doing Dancing With the Stars?
Fans have spotted three big clues that Jutta might be trading her ice skates for dancing shoes this fall.
1. The Mysterious TikTok Video
What happened: Jutta posted a video of herself dancing with the text: "When you’re working on exciting things."
Caption: Just ballet dancer emojis
Why it matters: It’s playful, but the phrase "exciting things" sounds like a tease for a new TV project.
2. She’s in the U.S., Not on the Ice
- Normally, Olympic skaters spend summers training at Thialf in the Netherlands.
- Jutta has been living in the U.S. (sometimes in Puerto Rico with Jake) and hasn’t skated with her team in months.
- Her teammates say six months off the ice makes a comeback nearly impossible this season.
3. Her Teammates Confirmed She’s Not Skating
Dutch news site NU.nl talked to her teammates:
| Teammate | What They Said |
|---|---|
| Kai Verbij | "I don’t expect Jutta to be on the ice this season. If you haven’t trained for six months, it is very difficult to start a season without preparation." |
| Femke Kok | "I told her after the Games that I really hope she continues. But I don’t know if she followed my advice," she joked. |
Translation: They don’t think she’s coming back to competitive speed skating anytime soon.
Olympians Love Dancing With the Stars!
This wouldn’t be a first. 23 Olympians have competed on DWTS before!
- Most recent: Gymnast Jordan Chiles (Paris 2024) came in 3rd place with pro partner Ezra Sosa.
- Fun fact: Jutta follows Ezra on Instagram. Coincidence? Maybe… maybe not!
When Will We Know for Sure?
Mark Your Calendar
The full Season 35 cast will be announced on Good Morning America on September 2.
That’s the day we’ll find out if Jutta is officially hitting the ballroom!
Summary: The Evidence at a Glance
| Clue | What It Suggests |
|---|---|
| Dancing TikTok with "exciting things" caption | Teasing a new show |
| Living in U.S., not training in Netherlands | Not preparing for skating season |
| Teammates say she won’t skate this year | Confirms she’s doing something else |
| Follows recent DWTS pro Ezra Sosa | Possible connection to the show |
| 23 Olympians have done DWTS before | Fits the pattern perfectly |
Bottom line: All signs point to YES—but we’ll know for sure on September 2!
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Has Jutta Leerdam officially confirmed she’s on Dancing With the Stars?
Nope! Not yet. All we have are clues. The official announcement comes September 2 on Good Morning America.
Why would an Olympic gold medalist do a dance show?
Great question! Athletes often join DWTS to:
- Try something new and fun
- Reach new fans
- Stay in the spotlight after the Olympics
- Challenge themselves in a totally different way
Is she retiring from speed skating?
Her teammates say it’s “almost impossible” she’ll race this season after six months off. But she hasn’t said the word “retire.” She might just be taking a break.
Who is Jake Paul, and why does it matter?
Jake Paul is a famous internet personality and professional boxer. He and Jutta are engaged. His huge social media following means more people will watch DWTS if she’s on it—great for ratings!
What time does the cast announcement air?
Good Morning America airs weekdays at 7:00 AM ET / 4:00 AM PT on ABC. Set your alarm (or DVR)!
IMPORTANT POINT
Even if Jutta isn’t on DWTS this season, she’s already made history as an Olympic champion—and she’s only in her mid-20s. Whether she’s on ice or a dance floor, we’ll be watching!