By Abigail Brandwein
Alysa Liu, a 20 year-old figure skater for Team USA, is breaking boundaries not only within her sport, but in popular culture. After achieving a pair of gold medals at the 2026 Olympics from perfect performances in both the individual and team categories, Liu continues to exhibit social relevance in a way that few Olympic athletes have accomplished.
Liu began her skating career at a young age, and was labeled a child prodigy after becoming the US National Champion at just 13 years old. But her recent rise to fame through mainstream media concerns more than her immense talent. Instead of presenting as just a rigorous athlete, Liu connects with her audience by displaying her personal interests.
Due to burnout, Liu took a hiatus from professional sports at age 16, and returned for the 2026 Winter Olympics with a fresh attitude. Her reentry to the ice was on her terms – and the joy and authenticity she preached was reflected in her skating. Liu puts herself forward as not only a skating superstar, but as a real person that viewers can relate to. “Medaling doesn’t fulfill me,” Liu said in an Olympic interview. ”I skate because I like to skate.”
Furthermore, the young skater highlights her taste through her style. Liu, unlike the majority of figure skaters, contradicts the traditional physical presentation demanded of similar athletes. On and off the ice, she rocks striped dyed hair and face piercings that showcase her originality.
In her routines, Liu skates to songs of her choosing, such as Promise by Laufey or Stateside by Pink Pantheress and Zara Larsson. Instead of classical music, which is commonly used in figure skating performances, Liu uses her time in the spotlight to exhibit her own preferences.
“I really love her style, and her use of pop music,” says Liliane Ryan, a junior at IHS.
As a result of her individuality and tendency to transcend traditional limitations, Alysa Liu has grown into a phenomenon. Alongside online fame, Liu has been honored in cities such as Los Angeles and Portland with sprawling murals.
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