The first DM Jake Paul sent to Olympic gold medalist Jutta Leerdam, which ultimately led to them dating, has been revealed.
The couple's relationship began in 2023, when the Dutch speed skater, 27, first caught the attention of the professional boxer.
What started with a direct message quickly blossomed into a romantic connection, despite their busy careers.
Now, with Leerdam's recent gold medal win in Milan, their journey together is being celebrated in the public eye.
From a DM to a Relationship
The couple's story began when Paul reached out to Leerdam and asked if she would appear on his podcast.
“Jake sent me a DM on Instagram and asked if I wanted to be on his podcast,” she said, speaking on the 'Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson' documentary.
Leerdam quipped that when the boxer messaged her, she thought he was "an arrogant idiot," who thought "he can do anything," per Daily Mail.
But, to her surprise, they "clicked in these two fast-paced worlds on a deep and super personal level. Since that moment, we have been inseparable".
The couple, who went public with their relationship in 2023, took their commitment to the next level when Paul proposed in March 2025.
The YouTube star announced the news on his Instagram, sharing stunning photos of the proposal, which took place on a balcony adorned with white flower petals and framed by a breathtaking mountainous backdrop.
“We’re engaged,” he captioned his post. “We can’t wait to spend forever together.”
Leerdam's Olympic Triumph
On Tuesday (February 10), Leerdam reached a career milestone, winning the 1,000m women’s speed skating gold medal in a new Olympic record time.
The victory was particularly sweet after a challenging few months, including a crash that almost derailed her qualification for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.
After winning the medal, Leerdam paid tribute to her visibly emotional partner and her loving family.
"I've been supportive, but I've not been able to go to his [Paul's] past fights because of skating. It would be nice to be there more," she said, per BBC News. "He has supported me a lot more and has come to many of my races, so I'm very grateful.
"Also, my family - I'm just so grateful for the support system around me. It's amazing," she added.