Alysa Liu, the 20-year-old American figure skater who captivated audiences at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, is proving to be as compelling off the ice as she is on it. Beyond her gold medal in the team event and a third-place finish in the women’s short program, Liu has garnered attention for a refreshingly unapologetic approach to self-expression, a willingness to defy expectations, and a decidedly DIY spirit. This combination has resonated with a growing online following, solidifying her status as a Gen Z icon who embodies authenticity and a “I don’t care what you think” attitude.
Liu’s impact extends beyond athletic achievement. She’s become a talking point on social media, celebrated for her unique style and a refusal to conform to traditional norms. A key element of this persona is her “smiley,” a frenulum piercing – jewelry placed in the modest piece of tissue connecting her upper lip to her gums. What sets this detail apart isn’t the piercing itself, but how she acquired it. Liu revealed in an interview with NBC that she performed the piercing herself, a decision driven by practicality and a desire for self-reliance.
“I had my sister hold up my lip, and I was looking in the mirror, and I had my piercing needle,” Liu explained, detailing the at-home procedure. She further elaborated in a 2024 podcast interview that the cost of professional piercing was a motivating factor. “Getting pierced at a shop is really expensive for no reason,” she said, “so I thought I’d learn it myself, be a little DIY-girl.” This willingness to take matters into her own hands, both literally and figuratively, has become a defining characteristic of her public image.
A Champion on Her Own Terms
Liu’s independent streak isn’t limited to body modification. She retired from competitive skating in 2024, a decision she made to prioritize her creative pursuits and personal well-being. She’s spoken openly about wanting to define success on her own terms, rather than solely through the lens of athletic competition. “These titles are huge, but I don’t want them to overshadow who I am and what I do and what I am all about,” Liu stated after winning her Olympic gold medal, as reported by NBC Olympics. “Winning isn’t all that, and neither is losing.”
This perspective has struck a chord with many, particularly online. A post circulating on X (formerly Twitter) described Liu as “the first woke idgafer alt baddie to win an Olympic gold medalist…THAT’S how you produce america great again,” highlighting the enthusiasm her unconventional approach has generated. The sentiment reflects a broader cultural shift towards valuing individuality and rejecting rigid expectations.
Beyond the Ice: Style and Self-Expression
Liu’s distinctive style extends to her hair, which features a striking multicolored design. She explained to NBC that the look is a visual representation of her life, with each color representing a year. “You recognize how trees have rings for their age? I thought, every year I’m gonna add a new halo around my hair,” she said. This creative expression, combined with her willingness to experiment with her appearance, further reinforces her image as someone who embraces authenticity and refuses to be confined by conventional beauty standards.
Her approach to fashion and self-presentation isn’t about seeking approval; it’s about expressing her inner self. “Through retirement, I realized I am a little bit like a creative person, and I have these ideas,” Liu said. “I have my own sense of fashion and I’m a little bit stubborn with it. I love choreography and music, and I do it on my own terms. No one tells me what to do.”
As Liu navigates life after competitive skating, she continues to inspire with her authenticity and unwavering commitment to self-expression. Her story is a reminder that success isn’t solely defined by accolades, but by the courage to live life on one’s own terms. She’s currently focused on creative projects, and her future endeavors are eagerly anticipated by a growing fanbase. Further updates on her projects can be found through her social media channels.
Originally published in Vanity Fair Italy
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