Olympian Alysa Liu wasn’t the only one beaming after her gold medal win in women’s figure skating in Milan on Thursday.
The 20-year-old Bay Area resident knew she’d done it right when she wrapped a package almost flawless free skate went to Donna Summer and was heard saying, “That’s what the fuck I’m talking about!” when she left the ice.
Her spirited departure epitomized much of Liu’s return to skating after hanging up her skates in 2022 at the age of 16.
At the time, Liu, who started skating at age 5 and became the youngest person to win the U.S. National Championship at age 13, said she had achieved her figure skating goals and was ready to “move on.” [her] to live.”
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When Liu announced she would return to the ice in March 2024, the athlete said she would do things on her own terms. says American figure skating it was “liberating” to be the one who finally took charge.
Since then, her charisma, unique style and presence on the rink have made her a fan favorite.
So Olympic spectators were happy to celebrate Liu as a story about what can go right when you chart your own course.
Someone on
“Therapist: What is your mental health goal?” another posted. “Me: Alysa Liu calm down.”
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“The concept of Alysa Liu retiring, rediscovering her love for the sport, returning on her own terms and then winning an Olympic medal,” someone else wrote.
“Alysa Liu just made her way to becoming an Olympic champion,” another fan cheered.
“Alysa Liu not only shows others that competing on your own time according to your own rules can be successful, she ALSO shows all the weird and expressive kids that you don’t have to put yourself in a box to achieve your dreams,” one post said.
