**Jake Paul’s Girlfriend, Olympian Jutta Leerdam, Shares Vulnerability Before Mike Tyson Fight**
Olympic speed skater Jutta Leerdam, the girlfriend of YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul, opened up about feeling emotionally vulnerable and discouraged leading up to Paul’s much-anticipated exhibition fight against boxing legend Mike Tyson. While Paul’s fight garnered widespread attention, Leerdam revealed that the journey was just as emotionally taxing for her.
Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Leerdam explained how the intense spotlight on Paul’s career also impacted her emotionally. She admitted feeling overwhelmed by the immense pressure that surrounded the fight. “The buildup to the Tyson fight was not easy,” Leerdam said. “There’s so much hype and scrutiny. As someone who loves Jake and wants the best for him, it’s hard not to feel that weight.”
Leerdam, a gold medalist and world champion, is no stranger to pressure, having competed at the highest levels of sport. Yet, the emotional stakes of watching someone she deeply cares about step into the ring against one of boxing’s most feared legends added a new dimension to her stress. “I was used to handling pressure for my own competitions, but this was different. It’s not just about you; it’s about someone you love. It’s a helpless feeling because you can’t step in there for them,” she shared.
Despite her initial discouragement, Leerdam found strength by focusing on the importance of emotional support. She described being present for Paul and helping him stay focused amid the media frenzy. “Jake and I had so many late-night conversations. I reminded him of his strengths and why he belongs in that ring. But he also encouraged me when I doubted myself, showing that we’re a team in this.”
Leerdam also credited her own experiences as an elite athlete for giving her the resilience to handle the high-pressure environment. After Paul’s fight, which ended with a respectable performance against Tyson, she expressed pride in his courage. “Jake proved he’s willing to push his limits, and that’s inspiring to me as well,” she concluded.
Her openness highlights the often-overlooked emotional challenges faced by loved ones of professional athletes, showing that even the strongest competitors need moments of vulnerability and support.
