Jutta Leerdam criticizes podcast comments by Jillert Anema, Digi Mart USA News (Netherlands): Dutch Olympic champion speed skater Jutta Leerdam has responded sharply to a debate on television personality Ben van der Burg’s podcast, in which skating coach Jillert Anema downplayed her status. “Old, insecure men!” she said.
The 27-year-old Leerdam has made a major impact on the skating world. She is not only one of the most successful Dutch speed skaters but also an international celebrity with millions of followers on social media.
Not everyone in the traditional skating world appreciates that combination of elite sport and glamour.
Leerdam has decided to skip the 2026/2027 skating season to focus on other matters, meaning the sport will have to do without one of its biggest draws.
In the podcast, a heated exchange developed with 71-year-old Jillert Anema. The coach argued that Leerdam’s importance was being greatly exaggerated.
Ben began: “You just said: ‘It is not a disaster that Jutta…'”
Jillert: “Yes, there will always be someone new in skating.”
Ben: “Yes, but not as big as Jutta.”
Jillert was not impressed by Leerdam. “Of course, someone bigger always comes along.
You simply say that we are going to miss Jutta Leerdam, and that is not true!”
The discussion escalated when Jillert made clear he had little regard for the glamorous side of the sport.
“At first, your task is to make the sport qualitatively better, but the sport itself! And that is something different from standing in a magazine with your bare backside!”
The clip spread rapidly on social media and eventually reached Leerdam herself. The skater, who usually pays little attention to the many opinions about her private life and career, chose this time to respond publicly.
On TikTok she wrote: “You know you’re doing good in life as a woman when your biggest haters are old insecure men.”
Notably, she received support from Ben, who in the podcast had tried to defend her significance to the sport against Jillert.
Showniews sought contact with Ben. The former top skater agreed with Leerdam’s reaction.
“Yes, that’s right. This is exactly… Old, grey men start to comment on heroes like these!”
He said the attention the podcast received was unexpected. “Yes, it’s unbelievable.
I thought: I make a podcast, I enjoy doing it, and you don’t expect something to suddenly go this viral.”
Ben maintains that the traditional skating world underestimates what Leerdam means to the sport. According to him, her fame now extends far beyond the ice rink.
“Jutta is bigger than the sport of skating. All on her own, right?
You have to realize: if you are an athlete, you work in the entertainment industry. What is impressive about Jutta is that she is both a skater and part of the entertainment industry.
Both!”
The performance of Jillert also drew irritation at the Showniews desk. In particular, his unreceptive attitude toward Ben was criticized by experts.
Showbiz expert Eline de Ruig said: “Ben didn’t even get the chance. That’s what I find irritating too.
Ben tried to come in twice, but he isn’t even open to it.”
Former top athlete Leontine Ruiters recalled how the coach silenced his conversation partner. “Yes, he literally said: ‘You need to keep your mouth shut now.'”
That this discussion prompted Leerdam to respond is notable. The skater has for years faced criticism over her striking image, her activities outside sport and her relationship with American influencer and boxer Jake Paul.
Presenter Dyantha Brooks said: “Jutta has been through a lot, including criticism of her relationship and of wearing eyeshadow.”
Celebrity expert Bart Ettekoven said: “Yes, it’s funny that she responds to this one. She has received so much over the years that she never responded to, far worse things at times, and now she picks this one out.”
“I think she was sent this by a number of people.”
