Celebrity Olympic Allegiances on Display at Milano Speed Skating Stadium
In a striking display of divided celebrity loyalties at the Winter Olympics, two prominent American figures found themselves cheering for different nations during Sunday's women's 500-meter long-track speed skating event at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium.
American Icon Snoop Dogg's Patriotic Display
U.S. rapper and honorary Team USA Olympic coach Snoop Dogg made his presence unmistakable with a flashy American flag-inspired jumpsuit prominently featuring "USA" lettering and the face of American speed skating champion Erin Jackson. Sitting with Jackson's family, including her uncle Mike Walker who enthusiastically pointed out the celebrity guest, Snoop Dogg became an immediate focal point for spectators and photographers throughout the venue.
The rapper's appearance carried special significance as Jackson attempted to defend the gold medal she won in Beijing in 2022 while serving as one of the Olympic flagbearers for the United States. Jackson later revealed she had met Snoop Dogg in the Olympic Village days before the race, where he offered encouragement with the message, "All right, let's do it. Let's go."
Jake Paul's Support for Dutch Fiancée
Meanwhile, American influencer and boxer Jake Paul maintained a more subdued presence while supporting his fiancée, Dutch skater Jutta Leerdam, who had recently won gold in the 1,000-meter race. Paul's allegiance to the Netherlands contrasted sharply with Snoop Dogg's patriotic American display, though he kept a lower profile than during previous events where he had been seen crying after Leerdam's victory and interrupting media sessions.
Instead of visible emotional displays, Paul took to social media platform X to share a photograph of Leerdam holding hands with fellow Dutch skater Femke Kok, captioning it "Dutch greatness" with lightning emojis and expressing pride in his fiancée's achievement.
The Competitive Drama Unfolds
The race itself delivered compelling drama as Leerdam, competing in the 12th pair, initially posted the fastest time, displacing Japanese skater Miho Takagi to second position. However, with three pairs remaining, the final outcome remained uncertain until the last heat featuring Dutch skater Femke Kok against American Erin Jackson.
Both skaters started aggressively, but Jackson slowed near the finish line, ultimately placing fifth overall. Kok secured the gold medal while Leerdam claimed silver and Takagi took bronze. As results became official, Dutch supporters in bright orange celebrated enthusiastically around Snoop Dogg and Jackson's family.
Post-Race Reflections from the Athletes
Jackson expressed disappointment with her fifth-place finish, acknowledging she had expected to land "somewhere" on the podium despite struggling with her speed following a hamstring injury. "To be just off, that's a little tough, but it is what it is," she told reporters, though she expressed happiness that her family had the opportunity to interact with Snoop Dogg in person.
Leerdam, meanwhile, revealed she had been closely monitoring Jackson's performance in the final pair, knowing Kok would likely beat her time. "When (Jackson) didn't, I was like, 'Oh, whoa, I have silver,'" she explained, adding that she felt "complete" after her earlier 1,000-meter victory and was pleased with the silver medal outcome.
The event highlighted not only athletic competition but also the complex web of personal relationships and national allegiances that characterize modern Olympic spectacles, with celebrity supporters adding an extra layer of visibility to the proceedings.
