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The professional boxer shared a heartfelt tribute to the speed skater on Instagram in honor of her 27th birthday. He paired several photos with a loving caption just days after supporting her through a difficult performance at the Olympic Trials.
"Happy birthday to my baby Jut. I love you @juttaleerdam 💫," he wrote in the post on Wednesday, December 30.
The Instagram carousel opened with a striking image of Leerdam posing by a waterfront in a hot pink gown with a low neckline, standing next to Paul, who wore a beige outfit. Additional photos showed the couple relaxing together on a private jet, dressed in matching camouflage outfits, and included a throwback picture of Leerdam as a child. The final photo featured her dancing in the pink gown alongside Paul by the scenic waterfront.
The birthday tribute came just four days after Leerdam, a seven-time World Champion, suffered a disappointing result during the Olympic Trials. Competing in Heerenveen, Netherlands, on Friday, December 26, the 2022 Beijing Olympics silver medalist lost her balance on the second bend of the 1000-meter trial. She fell to the ice and hit the boards, leaving the rink visibly upset.
Paul attended the trials and showed support for Leerdam on his Instagram Stories on December 28. He shared a clip of her skating in the arena with the message, "So proud of you warrior @juttaleerdam." It remains uncertain whether Leerdam will qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Leerdam, representing the Netherlands, said she does not know what caused the fall. Speaking to Dutch outlet Schaatsen.nl, she said, "I don't know if there was anything on the ice, but it felt like I was standing on something. I completely slid."
Following the trials, Leerdam posted on her own Instagram, expressing hope for the upcoming Olympics. She wrote, "I will most likely see you at the Olympics in Milan for the 500m! 🥹 A very unfortunate moment during my best distance, the 1000m on Friday. Now we wait and hope I get the opportunity to skate the distance I've won multiple World Cup golds in this season." She added that the outpouring of support she received left her in shock and that she is deeply grateful for all the messages.
