Overview
- Leerdam said in a roughly 12‑minute YouTube “Life Update” that she will not race in the coming season and described the move as a pause rather than a final retirement.
- The announcement, made on Monday, follows her peak winter where she won Olympic gold in the 1000 m in an Olympic‑record time and silver in the 500 m in Milan 2026.
- She cited a wish to learn new skills, travel, be spontaneous and spend more time with family and her partner as the main reasons for stepping back.
- Leerdam plans to produce more long‑form videos and other content for YouTube and social platforms, leveraging her multi‑million follower profile on Instagram.
- Her absence removes a leading medal contender from next season and leaves open questions about the field at major events should she decide to return.