10 Photos of Alysa Liu, 2026 Winter Olympics Women's Free Skate Champion — Ethnicity, Personal Life & What's Going On With Her Teeth

Alysa Liu, 20, has etched her name into Olympic history. She delivered a technically flawless routine to Donna Summar's MacArthur Park, securing the women's figure skating gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

She earned a career-best combined score of 226.79, narrowly outscoring Japan's Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai, and became the first US woman in 24 years to claim Olympic figure skating gold, following her earlier contribution to the team event.

Remarkable Comeback from Early Retirement

Liu's Olympic crowning moment reflects a remarkable comeback narrative. After bursting onto the elite figure skating scene as a teenage prodigy, including becoming the youngest US national champion at age 13, Liu retired from competitive skating at 16 following the 2022 Beijing Games, citing burnout and a desire to experience life beyond intense training.

During a roughly two‑year break from competition, Liu pursued personal interests, spent time with family and friends, and attended university classes. She returned to competition in the 2024–25 season with a fresh perspective and went on to win the 2025 World Championships before her Olympic success in Milan.

Her decision to step away and then return on her own terms has become an integral part of her public story, resonating with fans who see her as both a world‑class athlete and a relatable young adult navigating life's challenges.

Personal Expression and Cultural Identity

Liu represents a growing wave of diverse talent in winter sports. The Californian skater identifies as Asian American, and her presence at the top of international competition has drawn attention to issues of representation in figure skating, a sport often dominated by athletes from a narrow range of backgrounds. While Liu has not heavily foregrounded her heritage in interviews, her success contributes to broader conversations around diversity in elite athletics.

Off the ice, Liu has developed a reputation for authentic self‑expression, blending athletic performance with personal flair, from her choice of music and costumes to her approach to choreography and movement.

The Piercing That Sparked Curiosity

As social media interest in Liu's Olympic triumph grew, so too did curiosity about an unusual detail of her appearance. Images from Milan show a small piece of shiny metal when she smiles broadly. Contrary to some speculation, Liu's front teeth are not pierced. What viewers are seeing is a silver‑coloured frenulum piercing, commonly called a 'smiley' because of its visibility only when the wearer smiles.

Liu has explained that she performed the piercing herself with assistance from her sister more than two years ago, describing the experience as relatively painless.

The piercing sits through the thin tissue connecting the inside of the upper lip to the gums, and has become part of her distinctive personal style. Alongside her signature halo hair and alternative fashion choices at the Olympics, it has helped broaden public interest in who figure skaters are beyond their athletic capabilities.

Personality and Life Beyond Competition

Liu's public statements and interviews reflect a skater who values self‑directed growth and creativity. Rather than being defined solely by medals, she has emphasised the joy of performing and the importance of balancing competitive ambition with personal fulfilment.

Her journey from teenage sensation to world champion and Olympic gold medallist has captivated audiences globally, and her evolving identity as both athlete and individual continues to fascinate fans and pundits alike.