On Monday came the news that Jutta Leerdam has finished in the big team Jumbo-Visma. Team manager Sven Kramer spoke out in connection with the surprising announcement that the team is scrapping the Netherlands’ biggest star on the ice rink.
– We had a clear plan for the collaboration, but did not feel the same determination and commitment to the collaboration, which we believe is important for success, on her part. Last week we decided to stop the discussions and end the collaboration, explains Kramer.
Speaks out
Leerdam himself shared the news on his own Instagram. The post was of the more diplomatic kind. This was commented on by a follower, where Leerdam himself chose to respond.
– Damage control. Unnecessary and disrespectful, the 25-year-old replies in his own comment field about Kramer’s message.
SKATES: Skating star Jutta Leerdam has not delivered as she herself wanted so far this year, but another WC is soon to come. Video: Jutta Leerdam/Instagram, Skingen/Dagbladet TV sporten Show more
To the Dutch newspaper Telegraph she opens up about how she didn’t like how the old team presented it as if she had turned down a lucrative offer for a contract extension.
– It feels like a knife in the back how this has been communicated, she says frustrated to the newspaper.
– There were some tears
She now has to find a new way to continue her efforts towards the Olympics in Milan in 2026. Leerdam totally dominated the favorite distance of 1000 meters in the 2022/23 season, but struggled for a long time in the season that ended recently.
– I’m not myself at all. It is very frustrating, she stated at the end of January.
Despite the fact that she managed bronze during the WC in Calgary last winter, she was far down.
This relationship creates reactions online. Video: Bård Sørø Olsen/Dagbladet TV-sporten/Jakepaul/Juttaleerdam Show more
In the minutes after the race, the Dutchman sat on a bench on the inner track and talked to his coaches. There she was clearly upset and in tears
– I ruined it for myself on the last lap. Then I couldn’t accept that I didn’t win. It sounds very strange, but I work so hard and I felt super good during the race and I just destroyed myself, Leerdam told NRK after the bronze medal.