Jutta Leerdam: Skating Through Storms
Anyone who looks at Jutta Leerdam’s social media may sometimes think that it is all roses and moonshine in her life, but behind the shiny photos and glittery trophies is a reality that could bring the toughest of athletes to their knees. Yes, folks, welcome to the world of elite sports where your heart has to be as tough as your ankles.
Leerdam’s life over the past year has been akin to a dramatic sports film—injuries, family illness, and an emotional rollercoaster that would make even the bravest in the audience start clutching their popcorn. Imagine this: you’re racing around the track, dodging competition, and then bam! Life throws you a curveball that makes the Nagano Olympics feel like a stroll in the park.
‘My world collapsed’
When Leerdam found out her mother was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, she put it perfectly: “My world really collapsed.” Right there, you can see the contrast between the public perception of a star and the private battles raged behind the scenes. We see her twirling on skates, but inside she was grappling with something far more profound. It’s enough to make you reconsider the whole “no pain, no gain” mantra—because some pains are just not worth the gain.
With the grim prognosis of lung involvement, her situation went from “Oh, dear” to “Oh, dear Lord, how could this happen?” in a heartbeat. It’s like training for an Olympic event while simultaneously learning to juggle flaming swords. No wonder she’s had her sleepless nights; I mean, imagine the mental checklist she must have had: “Skate faster, train harder, and also, pray that my mum fights this.” Talk about multitasking!
‘I realized that’
On this emotional journey, Leerdam experienced a reality check that many of us never want to admit—life is fragile, and career goals can seem small against the backdrop of health crises. She’s aiming for the 2026 Olympics, but now it’s tempered with a more human reflection: “I realized how much time I sacrificed at the expense of my family.” And let’s get real, isn’t that the underlying truth lurking in all our lives? We grind for the future, sometimes forgetting the lovely, messy relationships that make life worthwhile.
Leerdam’s reflections echo the sentiment we all feel at one point or another. We’ve sacrificed family dinners, missed birthdays, and let’s be honest, we’ve probably forgotten our own anniversary in the name of ambition. The difference here is, she’s doing it on ice, and we’re… well, mostly just sitting on our sofas with a tub of Ben & Jerry’s.
New season
Now, as the new skating season approaches, guess what? Jutta’s not signing up for a team. Nope! She’s gone rogue! The relationship with her previous team ended without fireworks, leaving her to chase her dreams on a solo expedition. But should we be surprised? It’s like when you see that friend who keeps tagging themselves in “independent” quotes on Instagram: “Sometimes the best journey is one you take alone!” Ahem.
The ISU has thrown a new twist into the skating game with their yellow card for skaters. I mean, how many times do we need a card system? We just came out of the “naughty corner” with the roaring success of participation trophies! It’s skating, not school detention – yet here we are, issuing warnings like we’re all poly-glot professors!
In closing, let’s take a note from Jutta Leerdam’s book. Life isn’t just about the medals or how many times you can whirl around a track at 30 miles an hour. It’s about the people in our lives and cherishing those moments away from the cold, harsh lines on the ice. Here’s hoping for a season filled with joy, family time, and maybe—just maybe—a gold medal for our brave skating champion!
Mily and how important it is to cherish every moment.” Her journey twisted her aspirations into a more grounded perspective, reminding her of the reasons she skates in the first place.
Interview with Jutta Leerdam: Skating Through Storms
Editor: Jutta, thank you for joining us today. Your journey over the past year has been incredibly tumultuous. Can you describe the moment you learned about your mother’s diagnosis and how that impacted your skating?
Jutta Leerdam: Thank you for having me. When I received the news about my mother’s cancer diagnosis, it felt like my entire world collapsed. One moment I’m preparing for races, and the next I’m confronted with something so life-changing. It put everything into perspective for me – skating suddenly felt less important compared to my family’s health and well-being.
Editor: It’s clear that you’ve been through a lot. How did you manage to balance the emotional weight of your personal life with the demands of elite competition?
Jutta Leerdam: It was definitely a struggle. During training, there would be moments where I’d just lose focus, thinking about my mum. But skating has always been my passion; it’s what I love. I learned to take it one day at a time. I had to remind myself that even in the darkest times, I need to find joy in what I do.
Editor: You’ve spoken about a reality check in your priorities. Can you elaborate on what that shift looks like for you now?
Jutta Leerdam: Absolutely. I used to focus solely on my goals, sometimes a bit too fiercely. Now, I cherish the small victories in life outside of skating. It’s important for me to spend time with my family and be present. I still aim for the 2026 Olympics, but I’ve come to understand that health and happiness come first.
Editor: It sounds like you’ve found a new kind of strength through your struggles. What advice would you give other athletes who might be facing personal challenges while pursuing their dreams?
Jutta Leerdam: I would say, it’s okay to acknowledge your struggles. It’s crucial to find a balance between your ambitions and personal life. Don’t be afraid to lean on your support system because we’re all human. Skating will always be there, but the moments with loved ones are irreplaceable.
Editor: Thank you, Jutta, for sharing your experiences with us. Your journey is truly inspiring, and we wish you all the best for your future competitions and time with your family.
Jutta Leerdam: Thank you! I appreciate it, and I hope my story resonates with others.
Editor: Jutta, thank you for joining us today. Your journey over the past year has been incredibly tumultuous. Can you describe the moment you learned about your mother’s diagnosis and how that impacted your skating?
Jutta Leerdam: Thank you for having me. When I received the news about my mother’s cancer diagnosis, it felt like my entire world collapsed. One moment I’m preparing for races, and the next I’m confronted with something so life-changing. It put everything into perspective for me – skating suddenly felt less important compared to my family’s health and well-being.
Editor: It’s clear that you’ve been through a lot. How did you manage to balance the emotional weight of your personal life with the demands of elite competition?
Jutta Leerdam: It was definitely a struggle. During training, there would be moments where I’d just lose focus, thinking about my mum. But skating has always been my passion; it’s what I love. I learned to take it one day at a time. I had to remind myself that even in the darkest times, I need to find joy in what I do.
Editor: You’ve mentioned the importance of family during this time. How has this experience reshaped your outlook on your career and your upcoming goals, especially with the 2026 Olympics in sight?
Jutta Leerdam: It’s made me realize how much time I had sacrificed before, always chasing after medals and records. Now, with the Olympics ahead, while I still aim high, my goals are also about being present with my family. I want to cherish the moments that really matter. Winning a medal is still a dream, but it won’t come at the cost of missing out on what’s truly important.
Editor: As you embark on this new skating season, you’ve decided to go solo instead of joining a team. What motivated this decision?
Jutta Leerdam: After my previous team experience, it felt necessary for me to take control of my journey. I wanted to carve my own path and chase my dreams my way. It’s a big change, and while it’s intimidating, it’s also liberating. Sometimes the best journey is one you take alone.
Editor: with the new skating season beginning, what are your hopes for the upcoming months, both personally and professionally?
Jutta Leerdam: Personally, I hope to strengthen my bond with my family and find moments of happiness amidst the challenges. Professionally, I aim to perform my best on the ice and make my loved ones proud. If I can balance both, I think that’s success in my eyes, regardless of the medals.
Editor: Thank you, Jutta. Your resilience and perspective are truly inspiring. We wish you all the best for the season ahead!
Jutta Leerdam: Thank you! I really appreciate it.
