Olympic Champion's Racing Suit Sparks Bidding Frenzy
The iconic bright orange racing suit worn by Dutch speedskating sensation Jutta Leerdam during her gold-medal performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics has become a highly sought-after piece of sports memorabilia. Currently up for auction, the suit has already attracted bids surpassing $6,000 US as collectors and fans vie for ownership of this historic garment.
Viral Moment Transforms into Lucrative Opportunity
Leerdam captured global attention during the Milano-Cortina Games when she unzipped her Team Netherlands uniform to reveal a Nike sports bra after winning the 1,000-meter event. The 27-year-old athlete, who also secured silver in the 500-meter competition, created one of the most memorable celebrations of the Winter Olympics.
This spontaneous act of triumph has translated into significant financial potential. According to marketing experts, Leerdam's brand deal with Nike could potentially earn her over $1 million following the company's decision to feature the viral image on their official Instagram account, which boasts nearly 300 million followers.
Comprehensive Auction Features Multiple Olympic Artifacts
The auction extends beyond Leerdam's racing suit to include memorabilia from her Dutch teammates. Additional items available for bidding include:
- Race suits worn by fellow medalists Femke Kok, Antoinette Rijpma-De-Jong, and Merel Conjin
- Leerdam's signed headband, currently priced around $900
- The jacket worn by Jens van 't Wout during opening ceremonies, which sold for $3,500 in a separate auction
All items are being sold through the Match Worn Shirts platform, with bidding scheduled to close this Friday. Proceeds from the sales will benefit the local clubs where these elite athletes began their speedskating careers.
Record-Breaking Performance and Personal Milestones
Leerdam's Olympic achievements were particularly remarkable as she broke the Olympic record while winning gold in the 1,000-meter event. Her performance solidified her status as one of the Games' standout athletes, drawing attention from sports enthusiasts worldwide.
The speedskating star, who is engaged to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, has already departed Italy despite the ongoing Olympic festivities. In a social media post, Leerdam explained her early exit, stating she needed to support her fiancé through a second jaw surgery following his boxing match with former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in December.
Her racing suit remains on display at the Staatsloterij TeamNL House in Milan until the auction concludes, serving as a tangible reminder of one of the 2026 Winter Olympics' most electrifying moments.
