Alysa Liu delivered one of the biggest moments of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 20-year-old U.S. figure skater won gold in the women’s singles competition on February 19, ending a 24-year Olympic gold medal drought for American women in the event. Liu surged from third place after the short program with a powerful free skate in Milan, earning a season-best 150.20 points for a total of 226.79.
Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto won silver, and Japan’s Ami Nakai took bronze.
“I literally can’t process this,” Liu said as she walked down the tunnel at the Milano Ice Skating Arena.
Alysa Liu’s Teeth and Hair Draw Attention
Alongside her skating, fans noticed a small shiny detail on Liu’s teeth.
The noticeable feature is not a gem but a frenulum piercing, commonly referred to as a “smiley” piercing. The piercing sits on the upper gum line and becomes visible when she smiles.
Liu revealed that she pierced it herself.
“I had my sister hold up my lip and I was looking in the mirror and I had my piercing needle and yeah, just put it through,” Liu said to TMJ4.
Her hairstyle has also become a signature look. Liu wears her hair in a halo design, adding a new ring each year. She has described the style as inspired by tree rings.
“I originally actually wanted raccoon stripes three years ago, but I was like, ‘too much, too long and it’s going to be hard to upkeep,’” Liu told reporters in January. “Then I thought, I kind of want to be a tree, add a new ring every year, and so I did my second one the next year. It just grows out, and then so this year, I just did the same thing. I’m just gonna keep adding one every time.”
Liu’s individuality has become part of her identity on the ice. Her performance in Milan combined technical strength with visible confidence and enthusiasm.
Alysa Liu’s Historic Free Skate Performance
Liu entered the free skate in third place but delivered a clean and energetic performance that energized the crowd. Her total score of 226.79 secured the gold medal and marked the first Olympic title for an American woman in figure skating since 2002.
Throughout her program, Liu skated with visible joy, smiling widely and interacting with the audience. When she exited the ice, she looked directly at the broadcast camera and said, “That’s what I’m (expletive) talking about!”
When they were announced, she secured the gold medal and completed a comeback performance that brought the arena to its feet.
The moment capped her second Olympic appearance. Liu previously competed at the 2022 Winter Games, but her performance in Milan reflected a different approach.
Now 20, she has taken creative control of her skating, presenting herself fully on her own terms.
What’s on Alysa Liu’s Teeth? Gold Medalist’s Smile Sparks Questions