Alysa Liu: In a sport long defined by the “Ice Princess” archetype—pristine, sparkling, and conforming to traditional standards of grace—Alysa Liu has emerged as a revolutionary force.
At the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, the 20-year-old American isn’t just competing for medals; she is reclaiming her identity.
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Alysa Liu: The “Alt-Girl” Champion Redefining Figure Skating
Already an Olympic gold medalist at these Games, Liu has become the face of a new, “alternative” era of figure skating.
From Prodigy to Retirement
Liu’s journey began as a record-breaking phenom. At age 13, she became the youngest-ever U.S. women’s national champion, and at 14, she was the first American woman to land a quadruple jump in competition. However, the immense pressure of being a teenage prodigy took its toll.
After placing sixth at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and winning a bronze at the World Championships, Liu stunned the skating world by retiring at just 16.
She traded the rink for a “normal life,” attending UCLA and even hiking to Mount Everest base camp. During this hiatus, she realized she had previously felt like a “dress-up doll,” following a path set for her rather than choosing her own.
Alysa Liu Clinches Milano Olympics 2026 Spot | Free Skate
The Return on Her Own Terms
In 2024, a casual skiing trip reignited her love for the rush of sport. When Liu returned to competitive skating for the 2024-2025 season, she did so with a transformed perspective and a striking new look. This “Alysa 2.0” (though she prefers to see it as a continuation) has traded the traditional “polished” image for an alt-girl aesthetic:
- Signature Style: She is known for her “halo” highlights (blonde rings in her dark hair), graphic eyeliner, and a visible “smiley” (frenulum) piercing that flashes when she grins.
- Modern Music: Moving away from classical “warhorses,” she has performed to artists like Lady Gaga and the jazz-pop sounds of Laufey.
- Authentic Personality: Off the ice, she is an unabashed anime fan, often carrying a plushie of Pochita from Chainsaw Man to interviews.
Success in Milan 2026
Liu’s comeback has been nothing short of dominant. After winning the 2025 World Championship, she arrived in Milan as a leader for Team USA.
Olympic Milestone: On February 8, 2026, Liu helped propel the U.S. squad—nicknamed the “Blade Angels”—to Olympic Gold in the team event.
Even a minor mishap where her gold medal slipped off its ribbon and got “pretty dented” didn’t shake her; she laughed it off with her trademark humor, receiving a replacement just days later.
What’s Next?
As of mid-February 2026, Liu is currently in 3rd place following a poised and technically difficult short program in the women’s individual event. While she faces stiff competition from Japan’s Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto, Liu maintains that her goal isn’t just the podium.
“I chose to be here,” she shared in a recent interview. For Liu, the victory is in the joy of the skate and the freedom to be exactly who she is on the ice.
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