Alysa Liu dazzled at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, skating her way to gold in both the team and women’s singles events. Her standout performances not only secured vital points for Team USA but also saw her triumph over Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai in the singles. With this victory, Liu became the first American woman to claim an individual Olympic title in figure skating since 2002.
Liu shared her thoughts on Eileen Gu, the Chinese-American freestyle skier who won two silver and one gold medal at the Milan Games.
Alysa Liu Gives Her Take on Eileen Gu Facing Criticism
Gu made headlines at the Olympics not just for her performances, but also for her decision to represent China while being born in the United States. Many questioned her decision, including U.S Vice President JD Vance, who expressed support only for “American athletes and those who consider themselves Americans.”
In an interview with the New York Times, Liu defended Gu, saying that she’s known her since she was 13.
“I think people are hypocritical for shaming her for representing China. So in my head it’s a bit hypocritical, because her mom is an immigrant. Y’all would have told her to go back to China. Now that they’re back in China, you’re mad. [Laughs] And it’s sport, it doesn’t matter what country we represent. Sport is sport, and she has a love for competition, she has love for the game. I think that’s all that matters. There’s no shame in going to where opportunity is.”
Gu made the decision in 2019 to represent China, inspired by her mother’s roots and a desire to help skiing flourish there. She hopes to serve as a role model for young girls in China, encouraging the next generation of athletes.
MORE: Alysa Liu Honored With Striking New Mural at Telegraph & 43rd in Oakland
Liu Opens Up on Inspiring Other Skaters
Liu burst onto the scene at just 13 years old, becoming the youngest U.S. women’s figure skating national champion after landing three triple Axels. Her fearless performances quickly made her one of the sport’s brightest stars. By 16, she was representing the United States at the Beijing 2022 Olympics as the youngest American athlete at the Games.
After becoming a two-time Olympic champion at the Milan Olympics, Liu was asked about what advice she’d give to young skaters who look up to her. She stated that she hopes her story is ‘inspiring’, and urged young skaters to ‘take some time for yourself,’ as per CBS.
Now, Liu plans to rest and recharge before the next season, eager to build on the incredible momentum of her already stellar career.
