Alysa Liu Turns Olympic Glory Into a Celebration at Milano Cortina Exhibition Gala

NEED TO KNOW

• Alysa Liu lit up the ice during the figure skating exhibition gala in Milan, Italy on Saturday, Feb. 21
• The exhibition gala is a long-standing skating tradition held after competitions, with no scores or medals involved
• Her appearance came just two days after capturing gold in the women’s singles final

Alysa Liu stepped back onto the ice for the first time since winning gold in the women’s figure skating final, returning for a special showcase performance at the Olympic exhibition gala.

The 20-year-old skated to “Stateside” by PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson at the Milano Ice Skating Arena on Saturday, Feb. 21, marking her first appearance since earning gold for her winning program just two days earlier on Feb. 19.

Earlier in the evening, Liu also joined her Team USA teammates on the ice for a coordinated group routine.

The exhibition gala is a celebratory post-competition tradition that brings together medalists from all three completed figure skating events, along with standout skaters from around the world. This year’s lineup featured Liu, Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea, Mikhail Shaidorov, as well as Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry.

Before claiming Olympic gold, Liu — who stepped away from competitive figure skating in 2022 before rediscovering her love for the sport in 2024 — made it clear she hoped to skate in the exhibition gala, regardless of her final placement.

“I already have a dress picked out,” she told reporters on Feb. 17 following her short program performance.

After securing the gold medal and officially earning her spot in the gala, Liu shared her excitement with reporters. “I’m so excited” to skate, she said, adding, “But, I’m going to need some sleep so that I can do the exhibition in my full capacity.”

Beyond her performances, Liu has grown into a fan favorite for Team USA thanks to her authenticity, confidence, and openness with supporters. While many view her as a role model, she remains hesitant about the label, telling PEOPLE, “I don’t know if I really want to be a role model, I would say, but I guess I am.”

She is, however, fully embracing the praise surrounding her distinctive style. “That’s really awesome,” Liu said.

“I’m just doing me,” she continued. “So, it’s cool if I’m inspiring any other people. I just have a certain fashion sense and I’m kind of stubborn with it, so it’ll always come through.