Leerdam is set to compete for the first time in Milan on Monday, yet she's been making headlines for days. Her journey to the Games via private jet sparked controversy, followed by a stir when she initially refused to speak with Dutch media in the run-up to the 1000m race.

Following a formal complaint, she eventually agreed to speak with the media, though she only granted an interview to NOS. However, she clashed with reporter Bert Maalderink during the interview and requested that a portion of it not be aired. This request was denied, and Leerdam subsequently declined to speak with other Dutch media outlets after the interview.

'You have to be able to handle it'

In the podcast 'Sportnieuws.nl Dromen van Goud' (Dreams of Gold), Timmer was presented with the assertion that Leerdam's preparation has been 'far from ideal.' "You have to be able to handle it, and they deliberately seek this out, for example, with Jake," the former top speed skater responded. "It's all different, and they thrive on it."

Timmer understands the criticism regarding Leerdam largely ignoring the media: "I do think it was a misstep not to speak to the press. To show things on the infield that you then refuse to discuss. That doesn't align with what everyone sees, and everyone is simply interested. What is Jutta doing, and how is she? We want to know. So yes, take 5 minutes to speak to everyone."

'Imagine that?'

Timmer is far less understanding of the criticism surrounding the private jet, which turned out to be a gift from a sponsor. "Then I think: imagine if that was offered to you?" Timmer muses. She believes she knows what most people would answer: "Isn't that cool?"

However, Timmer also adds a caveat: "But then again, she chooses to showcase it, too. You take photos. We feast on it, and of course, that generates reactions. They know that too."

Pressure is high

For Leerdam, Monday is the day it all comes down to, as she has stated for years that her big goal is to win Olympic gold in the 1000m. According to Timmer, the pressure is immense: "Only gold counts, so the pressure is simply huge. I'm very curious. I'll be incredibly impressed if she pulls it off tomorrow. But she's human too, as we saw at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament when she stumbled."

Leerdam will have to be patient on Monday, as she won't compete until the final heat. The Dutch skater will face defending champion Miho Takagi. The Japanese athlete edged out Leerdam for gold four years ago. Femke Kok and Suzanne Schulting will also represent the Netherlands.

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Watch or listen to the episodes of Sportnieuws.nl Dromen van Goud below, where three-time Olympic speed skating champion Marianne Timmer delves daily into the performances of TeamNL during the Winter Games.