Alysa Liu: A Gold Medalist's Journey Beyond the Ice

Alysa Liu: America's Newest Icon

U.S. Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu became America's darling at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games last month. The Oakland native may have achieved the 10,000-hour rule in two disciplines by now: figure skating and going viral. Her infectious energy and poignant story have caught the attention of fans worldwide.

A Golden Performance

Liu, 20, was part of the team that secured a dazzling mixed team gold medal, and then she followed it up by dazzling audiences in the women's singles competition. Her thrilling short program routine, set to Laufey's melodious "Promises," showcased not just her technical proficiency but also her captivating artistry.

But it was her gold-winning performance in the women's singles final, choreographed to the classic Donna Summer hit "MacArthur Park," that struck a chord far beyond the ice. This nostalgic score unexpectedly climbed back up the charts, reminding us of the timeless allure of great music paired with exceptional athletic performance.

Alysa's joyous and unrestrained self-expression during the medal ceremony created a lasting impression, memorialized in countless viral videos. This moment propelled her Instagram following to an astonishing 7.8 million and solidified her as a social media sensation.

The 'Dancing With the Stars' Rumors

Despite the Olympics wrapping up on February 22, 2026, fans are clamoring for more from Liu, particularly with rampant speculation about her joining the cast of Dancing With the Stars. At Vanity Fair's Oscar Party, Alysa was asked if the show has reached out to her.

"Oh, I don't know if I'd do Dancing With the Stars," Liu replied. "I love dancing, and I think I'm good at dancing, but I don't know if I'd do it."

A Cautious Approach to Fame

Liu's reservation about the pressure of reality television aligns with her advocacy for mental health and the importance of avoiding burnout. During another interview, she emphasized the need for athletes—and everyone, for that matter—to step back and recharge.

"Breaks can do wonders for you," she shared candidly. "I think every athlete should take a break, to be honest. It's crucial for everyone to get a different perspective in life."

A Journey to Self-Discovery

Reflecting on her past, Liu made her Olympic debut at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games before retiring prematurely from competitive figure skating in April 2022 at the young age of just 16. A lifetime dedicated to the sport took its toll, and she felt the need to reconnect with her true self beyond the glitz of competition.

“I started when I was 5, and I basically didn't stop until 16. I was homeschooled my whole life,” Liu explained. “I'm a very social person. I crave human connection. I was living by myself for many years, all for the sake of training.”

A Return to Competition

Finding her passion reignited after taking a break—sparked by skiing at Lake Tahoe—Liu officially returned to competition in March 2024. Her triumphant comeback led her to clinch the women's singles title at the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships. Liu's ability to navigate her career with purpose is an inspiration to many.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Oneself

Ultimately, Alysa Liu knows what's best for her—what she genuinely wants and needs as an athlete and as a person. Unfortunately for fans holding onto dreams of her joining Dancing With the Stars, she's made it clear that, at least for now, those aspersions may not be realized. Both her athletic and personal journey highlight that success isn't just about gold medals; it's about learning to take care of oneself in the pursuit of greatness.