Alysa Liu seemed to push back on the idea that it is her time to set an example for many who dream of winning Olympic gold medals.
The figure skater won gold with her breathtaking free skate at the Milan Cortina Games after helping the US to gold in the team event. She also attracted attention for her relaxed exuberance and unvarnished party spirit.
Although the 20-year-old from Oakland, California, expressed her discomfort at being seen as a “role model,” she offered advice to others in an interview Friday. with USA Today and other outlets.
“I don’t know if I really want to be a role model, I would say,” Liu said. “But I think so. So if anything, I urge people to spend time with themselves, try new things, different things, just to gain experience and then decide for themselves what they want to do.
“Taking breaks is okay, and yes, sometimes taking a step back is necessary to see the full picture.”
After finishing sixth at the 2022 Beijing Games, a burnt-out Liu quit the sport and spent a few years finding herself. She climbed to Mount Everest base camp and studied psychology at UCLA. The rush she felt during a ski trip eventually led her to return to figure skating on her own terms.
Asked if she’ll stick around this time, Liu replied, “Well, I can’t imagine not skating again next year.”
