Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam has sparked controversy after opting to travel to the Milan Winter Olympics aboard a private jet rather than joining her national teammates for the journey.
The 27-year-old, who claimed silver at the Beijing Games four years ago, shared footage and photographs of her luxurious flight on Instagram, featuring personalised decorations, cupcakes bearing her image, a television screen displaying her picture, and an upmarket meal.
Her fiancé, YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul, responded to the post with an encouraging message: "Time to shine."
Leerdam's decision to shun the team transport has drawn sharp criticism from Dutch commentators ahead of her Olympic campaign.
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Johan Lerksen, a former professional footballer who now works as a television pundit, branded Leerdam a "diva" for her refusal to travel alongside the Dutch squad.
"She should want it of her own accord. She's already living like a millionaire, with private jets and everything. Her behaviour is horrible to me, like that of a diva," Lerksen said.
The pundit suggested that coaching staff ought to take a firmer stance with the athlete.
"If I were her coach, I wouldn't tolerate that. Gradually, the whole of the Netherlands is starting to get a bit fed up with her behaviour," he added.
The criticism comes as Leerdam prepares to defend her Olympic medal credentials in Milan.
The 27-year-old is scheduled to compete in the women's 1000-metre speed skating event on Monday, with the 500-metre race to follow later in the Games.
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Jutta Leerdam will compete for the Netherlands at the Winter Olympics
| GETTYHer participation in the longer distance event was thrown into doubt after she suffered a fall during the qualifying race in December.
Despite the setback, Dutch selection officials chose to award her the remaining spot in the 1000-metre competition following an impressive performance in the 500-metre qualifier.
The KNSB, the Dutch skating federation, determined that Leerdam merited inclusion after she secured her place among the nine Dutch women who qualified through the shorter distance event.
Leerdam expressed her gratitude on social media after learning of her Olympic selection, writing: "See you in Milan for the 500 and 1000m!!!
"After my fall in the 1000m, I refocused, bounced back and qualified for the 500m."
Jake Paul and Jake Paul got engaged last year
| GETTYShe noted that her inclusion in the 1000-metre event did not come at the expense of another competitor, adding: "What makes me happiest is that this decision doesn't affect any other woman in the process.
"So grateful that everything worked out."
The speed skater began her relationship with Paul in 2023, and the couple announced their engagement the following year during a celebration on the Caribbean island of St Lucia.
Her engagement ring has reportedly been valued at more than £700,000.