Winter Olympics 2026: Alysa Liu Exclusive – “I Was Peak Happiness Out There on the Ice”
Alysa Liu, the charismatic 20-year-old and new Olympic champion in figure skating, is riding high after capturing gold at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. In an exclusive interview with Olympics.com, she expresses her excitement not just for the medal, but for the platform it provides. “I get to share my art on the world’s biggest stage,” Liu reflects, embodying joy and enthusiasm barely 24 hours post-victory.
Liu’s calm demeanor as she competes under immense pressure has intrigued fans worldwide. “I was peak happiness when I was out there on the ice,” she shares, catalyzing a wave of admiration. Her achievement marks a significant milestone: Liu is the first American woman to earn the Olympic figure skating title since Sarah Hughes in 2002, who congratulated her on Instagram, expressing gratitude for Liu’s role in continuing the legacy.
Social media now buzzes with mentions of “Alysa Liu Core,” showcasing her unique style and approach to figure skating both on and off the ice. “I don’t really feel pressure,” she affirmed, “I feel excited to be there,” embracing her path forward with positivity and resilience.
Liu’s journey hasn’t been straightforward. After clinching the U.S. championship at 13 and participating in the Beijing 2022 Olympics at just 16, she stepped away from the sport due to burnout. A pivotal ski trip in mid-2024 reignited her love for skating, prompting her return under terms that prioritize artistic expression. “Working with Massimo Scali and Phillip DiGuglielmo has been a dream because they let me have control,” she explains, emphasizing her desire to merge sport with creativity.
Remarkably insightful, Liu acknowledges that she didn’t require an Olympic gold to validate her decisions. “I hated skating,” she confessed at the U.S. Championships. The time off allowed her to grow personally, explore new hobbies, and ultimately understand herself better. Fellow Olympic champion Aly Raisman supports this vision, saying, “Alysa’s breaking down that wall… when you love something and love yourself, anything is possible.”
As she prepares for her gala program and the upcoming ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, Liu radiates positivity while piecing together her burgeoning legacy. Aiming to become the first American woman since Michelle Kwan to win back-to-back titles, she remains centered amid the commendation that surrounds her.
With two Olympic golds adorning her neck and the iconic Duomo of Milan in the backdrop, Liu still expresses the feeling that resonates with her most: “I still feel really calm.” This sense of tranquility hints at the wisdom she’s embraced on her journey towards sports mastery.
