Alysa Liu: The Epitome of Finding Joy
It really is all about doing what you love.
by Georgia Seward ★ MARCH 25th, 2026
Design by: Maisy Wood
The Olympics are a worldwide event that everyone stops and pays attention to. Without fail, there is either a moment or an athlete that watches can’t seem to forget, this year’s is the U.S. Figure Skating team, more specifically, skater Alysa Liu.
Alysa had already made waves way before she ever entered the Olympic stage, becoming the youngest ever U.S. women’s champion at only 13 years old. She became a beacon for the future of U.S. figure skating, putting an immense amount of pressure on a young girl.
It all led to Liu announcing on Instagram in 2022 that she would be retiring due to a loss of passion and the desire to experience life outside the rink. Liu left the sport for two years before admitting to her coaches in 2024 that she wanted to return to the sport, but on one condition: if she returned, she would do it on her terms.
Many, including her coaches, said that it could not be done; however, in just over a year, Liu won the World Figure Skating Championship. With her win, her story became known, and with her gold medal win, it skyrocketed.
Dubbing it the “Alysa Liu Effect,” which is a joy-first approach to life and focusing on what makes a person healthy and happy. When a person stops performing for society or the system and starts performing for themselves. A sentiment felt in many ex-athletes, who were inspired by Liu’s story are now returning to their sports after many years.
Not just athletes either, Liu is inspiring others to pick up sports (like figure skating) as adults, proving that it’s never too late to learn something new. Allowing anyone to find joy in a new experience, and many are putting their journeys online to inspire others.
Liu is also being hailed as a “Gen-Z icon,” because of her unapologetic style with her distinctive “halo” dye hairstyle, and smiley piercing, both uncommon in the more conservative sport. She is showing an authentic personality, one marked by artistic freedom, and following one’s true path while creating a sense of self in the process.
She is not only influencing people’s mindsets but also their hearts. Liu has become a symbol of national pride, especially in the Bay Area, where she has not one but two murals in her honor. As the daughter of immigrants, she also brought much pride in being an American, especially in such a divided time.
Since the Olympics ended, everyone can agree that Alysa Liu is a certified star. Magazines can’t seem to stop interviewing her; she’s been on talk shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and the TODAY Show, her Instagram following is up to 7.8 million, even getting a seat in the Vanity Fair Oscars Party.
Her fame is coming not just from her immense talent, but from how much joy she radiates while doing it. It makes many question if they are focusing on their true happiness, and changing their perspectives to focus on what makes them happy and not what they feel like they have to do.
She is living life as her most authentic self, and it’s influencing the masses. Alysa Liu has become a true inspiration to many and a beautiful role model not just to young girls, but to all who feel connected with her story. Liu shows exactly what happens when anyone makes finding joy the priority.
Edited by: Bree Lauder-Williams