Alysa Liu, the American figure skater who recently secured her country’s first women’s gold medal in this discipline at the Winter Olympics in 24 years, has expressed her desire to maintain a balanced life, despite the burgeoning popularity she has experienced on social media. At just 20 years old, Liu has seen her Instagram following soar from 250,000 to an impressive 7.2 million following her success at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
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In a candid interview with PEOPLE, Liu admitted that the vast number of new followers is difficult for her to comprehend. “I can’t really compute that number,” she said, indicating that she prefers not to dwell on her newfound stardom. Instead, Liu’s approach to social media is more focused and intentional, as she makes a conscious effort to limit her time spent online.
Liu primarily utilises two platforms, Instagram and TikTok, but admits that she does not engage in passive scrolling on Instagram. “I don’t scroll on Instagram,” she noted. “When I go on there, it’s only to post, and sometimes, view my friends’ posts. The only accounts I have not muted are the people I know in my life.” This strategy seems to be a deliberate choice to protect her mental health and maintain a sense of normalcy amid the whirlwind of fame.
Hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area, Liu emphasised that by minimising her time online and adhering to a structured routine, she has been able to stay grounded. Liu’s return to skating was not without its challenges; she initially stepped away from the sport in 2022 at the age of 16 due to burnout, seeking a more typical teenage existence. However, her love for skating brought her back in 2024, determined to approach her passion on her own terms.
Beyond her success in competitive skating, Liu’s story has resonated with fans, prompting many to share their own experiences on TikTok. Viewers have been inspired by her journey and have begun posting videos of themselves returning to activities they once abandoned. Liu remarked, “My goal is always to share my story and to connect with people,” highlighting her focus on using her experiences to forge emotional connections through her performances.
Since taking up the sport at the tender age of five, Liu’s life has revolved around skating. Her talent was evident early on, as she clinched a national gold medal by the age of 13. However, the pressure of competing at a high level took a toll, leading to her departure from the rink after her sixth-place finish at the Beijing Games. It took two years for Liu to recuperate, after which she made a comeback driven by her passion for skating and a desire to inspire others.
As the Winter Olympics draw to a close, Liu looks forward to returning to her routines and meaningful connections. “My goal is to go back home and chill, get back into my usual training,” she shared, expressing her love for both skating and the training process that accompanies it.
In navigating the complexities of fame and personal well-being, Liu serves as a reminder of the importance of balance and self-awareness in the face of overwhelming pressures. The transition from a young athlete training for championships to a celebrated figure requires resilience, and Liu appears determined to maintain a sense of normalcy, even as she embraces her role as an inspiration for aspiring skaters and fans alike.