**Alysa Liu Explores New Passion for Piercing After Olympic Triumph**
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Alysa Liu, the talented 20-year-old figure skater representing Team USA, is making headlines not just for her prowess on the ice but also for her unexpected venture into the world of body piercing. Following her impressive double gold medal haul at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Liu recently revealed her ambition to acquire a professional piercing licence.
While attending the prestigious Vanity Fair Oscar Party, the Olympic champion shared insights about her piercing journey. Liu has managed to blend her athletic achievements with a distinct personal style, which includes her signature “smiley” lip piercing. This unique adornment, which she performed on herself, showcases the frenulum—a small piece of tissue connecting her upper lip to her gums—making it visible when she flashes a smile.

In a candid “Get Ready with Me” video for Vanity Fair, Liu discussed her fascination with body modifications and the process behind her self-adorned look. Along with her trademark lip piercing, she has also taken the initiative to pierce her helix and several lobe piercings, further demonstrating her DIY approach to body art.
Liu reflected on her piercing experiences, stating, “I pierced it a little over two years ago now.” Her journey involved her sister assisting by holding her lip while she expertly navigated the piercing needle with a mirror placed strategically in front of her. This hands-on experience has sparked her interest in pursuing formal qualifications in piercing artistry.
While her piercing prowess have emerged as a noteworthy part of her identity, Liu has maintained her focus on her sporting career. She soared to prominence at the Winter Olympics, securing gold in both the women’s singles and team events. Reflecting on her Olympic experience, she expressed immense pride in representing her country and acknowledged the role her piercing has played in her unique presentation as an athlete.
Although lip piercings have gained popularity, Liu’s is distinctly named the “smiley” because of its subtle placement, only revealed during broad smiles. This playful twist adds a refreshing element to her public persona, illustrating how athletes can embody various interests beyond their primary sport.
Beyond her body modifications, Liu’s fashion sense has been equally captivating. During the Winter Olympics, her hairstyle turned many heads; she sported bold, bleached rings dubbed “halos” amidst her dark brown locks. This distinct look has become a hallmark of her personal aesthetic, with Liu explaining the care and thoughtfulness behind the gradual development of her hairstyle over the past three years.
Before the Olympic Games, she confirmed her commitment to maintaining her striking hairstyle, stating, “It’ll be the same.” Liu explained the significance of her halos, detailing how each ring addition represents a unique year in her journey. The first ring appeared at the end of 2023, followed by subsequent additions in the following years, marking her evolving style.
Liu’s desire to pursue a career in piercing after her sporting successes charts an interesting trajectory. It positions her as an athlete willing to embrace her individuality while inspiring a younger audience to express themselves authentically. By sharing her experiences, she projects a message of creativity and exploration that extends beyond the realm of sports.
As Liu continues to capture hearts on the ice and beyond, her ambition to become a licensed piercer is sure to add another dimension to her already rich tapestry of talents. Whether gliding gracefully across competition arenas or applying her own personal touch to body art, Alysa Liu is making a name for herself as a multifaceted personality in the spotlight.
