For American figure skater Alysa Liu, she is the living the Olympic dream at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. After shocking the world to win the gold medal ahead of top contenders Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai of Japan, Liu redeemed U.S. figure skating after consecutive disappointments and disasters on the Olympic ice experienced by her fellow Team USA members earlier in the tournament.
The energetic 20-year-old with a unique style both on and off the ice excitedly received her individual gold medal on the podium, then posed for photographs with the American flag held up behind her. Ever since her victory, the world has been captivated by her success. Alysa Liu is now offering advice for young athletes who seek to follow in her footsteps of Olympic glory.
Alysa Liu’s Six Words of Wisdom for Young Athletes
GettyGold medalist Alysa Liu of Team United States poses for a photo during the medal ceremony for the Women’s Single Skating on day thirteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Ice Skating Arena on February 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
Just hours after her Olympic gold medal win, Alysa Liu sat down with Kelly O’Grady from CBS to share what it felt like to stand on the top spot of the podium. Speaking with O’Grady, Liu opened up about the electric energy in the crowd and how it excites her when she’s on the ice. “Just the energy in the arena. That’s why I skate,” she reveals.
When it comes to the legacy she hopes to leave in her Olympic wake, she explains that she wants for her time on and off of the ice to be inspiring to others in a way that encourages them to break through barriers and obstacles.
What is the advice she has to offer to young skaters and athletes who want to follow in her footsteps? “Don’t try to be the next me,” says Liu.
She Opens Up About Her Personal Philosophy in Training
GettyAlysa Liu of Team United States competes in Women’s Single Skating – Free Skating on day thirteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Ice Skating Arena on February 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
Recovery and rest are two major components of Alysa Liu’s athletic training regiment. “I love working hard and pushing myself to the limit, but to do that, I need rest,” she reveals, discussing her training philosophy and why it’s important for her to limit her activity on days when her body and her mind need time to recover.
In addition to the advice Alysa Liu would like to pass down to generations of skaters who come after her, she has a solid piece of advice that everyone can benefit from. “At the end of the day, take some time for yourself. Spend time alone. I think it really helped me.” Being by yourself allows for authenticity to be fostered and nourished, she says. Coming from a gold medalist, this is advice worth taking!
Alysa Liu Has Six Words of Advice After Winning Olympic Gold