'No Ambush'! Jutta Leerdam Escapes Sanctions After Winter Olympics Gold Celebration! Could Receive Nike Bonus?

Last Updated:February 20, 2026, 08:43 IST

Leerdam, who unzipped her suit to reveal a Nike sports bra following her gold medal in the 100m speed skating event on Sunday, has been cleared of ambush marketing.

Juta Leerdam, the Dutch speed skater who bagged gold at the ongoing Winter Olympics 2026 in Milan-Cortina, will escape any sanctions despite landing in controversy for revealing her Nike sports bra following her triumph.

Leerdam, who unzipped her suit to reveal a Nike sports bra following her yellow-metal clinching showing in the 100m speed skating event on Sunday, has been cleared of ambush marketing.

International Olympic Committee Television & Marketing Services Managing Director Anne-Sophie Voumard clarified that the practice of unzipping one’s suit at the conclusion of the event was commonplace citing the unforgiving nature of the garments.

“I’m not an expert in speed skating. But I understand this, unzipping the uniform after a race, is normal practice for speed skaters when they finish their race because the suit is very tight," Voumard sytated.

“It is normal practice and not a case of ambush," she added.

Industry experts also added that the Dutch athlete could stand to receive a bonus of around a million dollars from the American sporting superbrand for the showing.

Not everyone seems to be against Leerdam’s antics as IOC Director of the Athletes’ Department, Kaveh Mehrabi, welcomed such practices which spike the profile of the event in the eyes of the world and expressed his pride in the athletes being able to express themselves without breaking the word of the law.

“Athletes have generated over 1.3 billion social engagements, about half a million per athlete, and we are proud they want to show their own experience," Mehrabi said.

“Jutta Leerdam alone has generated over 100 million engagements. The most appealing content has been behind the scenes."

“We changed the guidelines since Paris (2024 Olympic Games), allowing athletes to show their experience first hand," he added.

Leerdam has been in a relationshio with Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, who was also seen in attendance at the quadrennial spectacle as the Dutchwoman claimed gold in the 100m event in addition to the silver in he 500m event.

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