Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam briefly ended her avoidance of the press to prepare for the 1000-meter event but left after one interview due to questions about the special treatment of her ankle.
Sporza, a Belgian news outlet, reported on the incident during the Winter Olympics coverage.
Leerdam, known both as a top-level speed skater and internet personality who shares much of her life online, had chosen to avoid the media in recent days to focus on her preparation. The Dutch sports press association expressed frustration with her absence, calling it disrespectful to both media and fans.
Eventually, Leerdam agreed to speak to the NOS for an interview but ended the discussion abruptly after being questioned about the use of a hammer by her physiotherapist as part of her ankle treatment. She described the hammer technique as helping to relieve tension and improve her strength on the ice but declined to provide further details.
After the interview, Leerdam requested that the segment about her treatment not be aired, but the broadcaster declined to remove it. Following this, she refused to engage with the Dutch media further, with unclear reasons whether the decision was directly connected to questions about her ankle.
The situation has provoked discussion in the Dutch skating community, with six-time Olympic champion Ireen Wüst commenting that if an athlete prefers not to discuss certain topics publicly, they should refrain from doing so in public settings. This marks a notable moment early in the Winter Games as tensions have surfaced between athletes and the press.
