Jutta Leerdam slams critics who called out her 'makeup' after winning gold and ‘earning $1 million’ for showing bra

Dutch athlete and influencer Jutta Leerdam has skated herself into becoming one of the main talking points of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, after winning gold, breaking a record, and sparking a wave of criticism.

The 27-year-old, who is engaged to Jake Paul, set a new Olympic record in the 1000 meter speed skating event and even managed to bag a silver medal in the 500 meter. But all people can talk about is what she did out side of winning silverware for the Netherlands.

Between claims that she flashed her bra on TV to earn $1 million and critics who felt the need to comment on her decision to wear makeup and compete at the top of her sport, Leerdam has faced as much conflict off the ice as on it.

But the YouTuber turned boxer's fiancée has hit back at these comments in the days following her Winter Olympic victory, in an emotional Instagram post

Sharing a picture of herself after the dominating victory, with a thick black mascara-filled tear rolling down her cheek, Leerdam slammed 'the judgement' passed down on her during the games.

"For me, this picture captured everything my Olympics stood for," the star athlete said. "This moment proves you don’t have to become less of yourself to achieve something great.

"That your looks don’t define you as a person or as an athlete. That if you work hard and stay determined, it will all come together."

Unlike in other fields where these comments have become a thing of the past, Leerdam pointed out that her makeup choices are for her, not people hiding behind online anonymity.

She continued: "It’s so ironic because my winged eyeliner and make-up are something I’ve been judged for during my whole career, when all it ever did was give me confidence and make me feel feminine and powerful.

"The pressure I’ve felt, the judgment I’ve dealt with around so many things, the hard work I’ve been putting in for so many years all came together in this moment."

Her fight back came after another of her styling choices invited further speculation and disapproval, with people arguing that her decision to unzip her racing suit was actually a bid to make some serious sponsorship money.

This was because she revealed a Nike branded sports bra by doing so, with reports indicating that this stunt could have earned the athlete as much as $1 million and violated an Olympic rule on advertising.

However, on Friday, the International Olympic Committee ruled that Leerdam had broken no such rules, with many speed skaters unzipping their tight outfits once the race is over.

After this week of intense scrutiny and criticism, Leerdam ended her emotion post by saying: "I never felt the need to prove anything. I did this for me, my younger self, my family and for all women who don’t want to be put in a box and just want to be their authentic selves.

"A reminder that you can be soft and strong, disciplined and feminine, all at once. Never let anyone dim your light."

Future husband Paul simply replied: "Iconic."