Gift on Ice
Whether it is music or athletics, there is always a part that pushes us to think we need to win first place. Liu has changed this through her Olympic performance.
There is a girl on the ice. Her halo-like hair follows through the rink as she glides through the rink. Her sparkling gold dress highlights every jump as she flies into the air. The ends of her shining dress flows through every graceful movement. Just like her iconic gold dress, Alysa Liu holds up her gold medal.
Alysa Liu is a 20 year old skating prodigy who has recently become the spotlight of the 2026 Olympics after winning a gold medal.
Alysa Liu started skating when she was only five after her father was inspired by many legendary skaters like Michelle Kwan.
Unlike many other kids, Liu was different. She was a fast learner and had a talent. Her coaches would tell her that she had a gift under this field. When people were still learning how to walk on the ice, Alysa Liu was already winning championships. At just the age of 13, she has also become the youngest U.S women's champion.
Her accomplishments don't end here. Liu became the first U.S woman to land a quadruple Lutz in 2019 and also placed 6th in the Beijing Olympics at 16. However, skating did not only come with the joy of soaring through the rinks. Just as everyone thought the skating world had found its gift, Alysa announced that she is stepping off the rink. She later stated that it wasn’t for fun anymore, but felt pressured to win. Liu wanted a life just like the normal teens around her, like pursuing education, hanging out with friends on weekends, going on trips, and so much more.
Though many fans understood the reason for her retirement, there were still many questions circling in their heads. Will she ever come back? Was this her last performance? Will the skating world ever be the same?
Through all the worries and questions, Alysa Liu made a surprise comeback at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Liu won first place in women's freestyle. The teen prodigy was back. She was sweeping the gold medals! Not only did her performances go viral, the songs that she performed also went viral. Especially, Stateside by PinkPanthress, featuring Zara Larson. People all over the internet were copying her Gala performance with the song.
Alysa Liu, isn’t just a gifted skater, but an inspiration to many others.
Although many of us might not be going to national championships, there is so much pressure that goes onto the extra curriculars. Whether it is music or athletics, there is always a part that pushes us to think we need to win first place. Liu has changed this through her Olympic performance. It wasn't just the techniques, but it was her smile. Alysa Liu did not look pressured or nervous at all. She is ready to continue her passion on ice and inspire others too. It wasn’t easy for her to bring back her own spark either. She went through many mixed feelings on whether or not she should keep going or say bye to skating forever. To help many other teens keep their spark and let them know that we should feel joy doing the things we do, Liu says, “ “If it’s really such a struggle, I would definitely take that break,.don’t be scared to do that. Don’t be scared of failure.”
Even if it was just a sentence or two, what she has said will inspire and help so many people to not be afraid of failure and keep doing what you love for the joy and not for the pressure of winning.
