Alysa Liu’s victory in women’s singles figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan wasn’t just a personal triumph. it triggered a remarkable surge in her social media following, demonstrating the potent intersection of athletic achievement and digital visibility. After a third-place finish in the short program, Liu delivered a near-flawless free skate, securing the gold medal and overtaking initial leaders Kaori Sakamoto of Japan (silver) and Ami Nakai (bronze).
The 20-year-old American skater’s performance, characterized by technical precision and a captivating stage presence, resonated deeply with audiences. Liu herself emphasized the connection she felt with the crowd during her performance, stating, “While I was on the ice and heard the cheers, I felt so connected with the audience. When I see other people smile because I see them in the audience, I have to smile too.”
From Retirement to Olympic Gold and a Massive Social Media Boost
Liu’s path to Olympic gold is particularly noteworthy given her earlier retirement from the sport. Prior to the Olympics, she had approximately 210,000 followers on Instagram. Following her gold medal performance, that number exploded, reaching an astounding five million followers. This dramatic increase underscores the immediate impact of Olympic success on an athlete’s digital footprint.
Liu’s story extends beyond the ice rink. Born on August 8, 2005, she arrived into the world via a surrogate mother and was raised in Richmond, California, as the eldest of five children. Her father fled China following his involvement in pro-democracy protests around the time of the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989, seeking political asylum in the United States.
She began skating at the age of five and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the youngest U.S. National champion in 2019. However, after finishing sixth at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Liu unexpectedly announced her retirement, citing the overwhelming pressure and relentless schedule of competitive figure skating. The demanding lifestyle had taken a toll on the then 16-year-old.
During her time away from the sport, Liu pursued other interests, including a hiking trip with her best friend and her mother in the Himalayas. She also enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles, to study psychology, seeking a broader academic experience.
The pull of the ice eventually proved too strong to resist. After discussing a potential comeback with her coach, Liu returned to competitive skating in 2024, and promptly won the World Championship title. Her Olympic gold medal in Milan represents the culmination of this remarkable return, and she indicated no immediate plans to retire again, stating, “I don’t imagine not skating next year.”
Liu’s success is a testament to her resilience, talent, and the power of pursuing passions on one’s own terms. Her story, as she herself noted, is “pretty cool” and has the potential to inspire others. The rapid growth of her social media following is a tangible reflection of that inspiration, demonstrating how athletic achievement can translate into a broader cultural impact in the digital age.
