World champion speed-skater Jutta Leerdam said “extra fat” has helped her in her recent success on the ice, which includes winning gold and breaking records in various races this month.
“I have become stronger and heavier,” Leerdam told NPO Radio 1 in an interview published on Wednesday. “I now use that extra fat as strength.”
That day, Leerdam — who’s become a social media influencer with over 3 million followers on Instagram — won the NK sprint for the third time in her career, setting two track records.
Leerdam already set a track record on the first 1,000 meters on Tuesday (1.12.83), before recording a faster time Wednesday, clocking 1:12.80.
Leerdam, who turned 24 on Friday, specializes in sprint events.
The Dutch athlete won a gold medal in the 1000m race at the ISU Speed Skating World Cup in Calgary earlier this month. The victory marked her fourth consecutive first-place finish in the event.
The Olympic speed-skater has become an influencer outside of her sport through social media brand partnerships and other fashion and beauty-based projects.
Leerdam is beloved on social media, including Instagram, where she documents her speed-skating journey, along with her travels, fashion, home life, and outings with friends.
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In June, Leerdam took to Instagram to share her cover of “Elle” Netherlands.