If you’ve been on the internet lately, then you’ve likely heard of Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu. For the first time in twenty-four years, she’s secured the gold for team U.S.A. in women’s figure skating. Since this historic win on February 19th, Liu’s instagram following has steadily grown by the millions. And it’s not just because of the eye-catching stripes in her hair.
Like many others, I became drawn to Alysa after watching her skate to Donna Summer’s upbeat disco number “MacArthur Park Suite” (which I quickly added to my playlist!). What impressed me most about this routine wasn’t just the technical skills, though they are out of this world. Instead, it was the joy and confidence she exudes with every glide across the ice.
Alysa Liu, like many athletes, began training at an early age. First, competing at the junior level, then working her way up to the 2022 Beijing Olympics at just sixteen. What may surprise you is that she retired from skating months later, for nearly three years. The constant pressure of being a professional athlete took the joy out of the sport.
I mean, can you imagine? I started my first job at sixteen, and she was retiring. Alysa spent months away from the limelight, living a “normal” life outside the rink. “It was the best thing I could have done for myself,” she later told Olympic Sports journalist, Philip Hersh.
After some much-needed time away, she felt ready to return in 2024. But this time would be different. In recent interviews, Alysa explained that she took control of her own music, look, and training regimen. While maintaining a close relationship with her coaches, she began training in a way that fit her own terms.
As a teenage girl, I felt incredibly inspired by Alysa’s story. It reminded me of when I quit softball years ago because my coaches only cared about winning. I remember thinking, “Hey! We’re ten years old. This is supposed to be fun.” Alysa Liu reminds us that sticking up for yourself can lead to success that feels both joyful and fulfilling.