Alysa Liu: A Golden Comeback and Personal Challenges

Olympic Achievements

Alysa Liu, a 20-year-old figure skater, secured two gold medals for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. She achieved victories in both the team event and the women’s singles.

This accomplishment marked the first time a U.S. woman has won the singles event in 24 years.

Early Career and Resilient Return

Liu began her figure skating journey in Oakland, California, inspired by her father's admiration for Michelle Kwan. She described her intense training schedule at ages 13 and 14 as an "abnormal childhood," perceiving skating as a "responsibility or a burden" during her youth.

Following the 2022 Winter Olympics, Liu announced her retirement from the sport, citing burnout. However, she made a return to figure skating in 2024, on her own terms.

Family Background and Cultural Ties

Alysa Liu identifies as Wasian, being half-Chinese and half-white. Her father, Arthur Liu, is a lawyer and a political refugee from China, having participated in the 1988 Tiananmen Square protests.

Arthur Liu welcomed Alysa and her four siblings through anonymous surrogate mothers. He stated that he intentionally chose Caucasian egg donors to provide his children with a diverse gene pool. Alysa Liu is active within the Chinese American community in the Bay Area and is a speaker of Mandarin.

Allegations of a Spying Operation

During the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Arthur and Alysa Liu were reportedly targets of a spying operation. The U.S. Justice Department alleges that this operation was ordered by the Chinese government.

Arthur Liu stated his belief that the intent behind these actions was to intimidate them and prevent them from speaking out on political or human rights issues related to China. He also expressed concerns regarding Alysa's safety, noting that the U.S. government provided them with protection. Arthur Liu affirmed his resolve to live life as he chooses and not allow such actions to suppress him.