[Figure Skating. Photo Credit to Unsplash] 

On February 26, the 2026 Winter Olympics were held in Milan, where 20-year-old figure skater Alysa Liu secured two gold medals. 

These were the first Olympic figure skating gold medals for the U.S. since 2002.

The young athlete had previously retired from figure skating at 16 due to burnout but made a remarkable comeback at 18 years old. 

Fans have commented that despite retiring at just 16, she still seemed passionate about the sport and joyful when she was competing. 

When Liu stepped onto the ice rink to represent her country in the Olympics, she continued to smile and have a positive mindset that didn’t pressure herself to win. 

Instead, she told herself that “ she doesn’t need this [a medal].” 

Furthermore, after she won the medal she stated that “what [she] needed was the stage, and [she] got that, so [she] was all good no matter what happened.”

Her performance showcased expressive facial movements, a variety of jumps, and dramatic knee slides, earning her a final score of 226.79 points.

Her total score consisted of 76.59 points in the short program and 150.20 points in the free skate, which ultimately secured Liu gold in the women’s individual figure skating event

She also played a crucial role in securing the U.S.’s gold medal in the team figure skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Although she won two medals, she only took one home because the other one was damaged while she was celebrating. 

As a result, she had to return the damaged medal due to Olympic equipment rules. 

Nevertheless, she maintained her positive mindset and continued to happily celebrate with her coaches and fans. 

Supporters on TikTok stated that “she definitely deserves the gold. You can see passion in those moves.”

Others also stated that "she's so fun to watch. I’ve never really stayed to watch a whole skating performance but she's just too fun and addicting to watch.”  

After her Olympic win, she performed a routine to the popular Gen Z song called “Stateside” by Pink Pantheress and Zara Larsson at the figure skating exhibition gala. 

Soon after, her routine went viral as fans across the world praised her for genuinely enjoying her performance. 

Commenters on a video of her at the gala stated that “she broke the traditional boring music of ice skating” and “she is such a performer, I can’t take my eyes off of her.” 

The song became an even bigger hit, as people started following a trend of copying her beginning dance moves in her routine. 

This trend crossed various social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. 

Her inspiring journey has sparked conversations globally about living in the moment and simply having fun at whatever one does.