Alysa Liu Emotional After Learning Who Was Watching Her Olympic Performance

Figure skating star Alysa Liu of the United States sits in third place after her strong performance in the women’s short program. She shared afterward that it was extra special because of an adorable reason from back home.

Liu was the youngest national champion ever at age 13 in 2019, but retired shortly after competing in the 2022 Beijing Olympics at 16. She returned to competitive figure skating in March of 2024.

The now 20-year-old Liu has dazzled at these Games already as part of the gold-medal winning combined men and women’s team.

Feb 8, 2026; Milan, Italy; Alysa Liu of the United States of America celebrates after winning gold in the team figure skating event during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena. | James Lang-Imagn Images

The girl from Oakland, California, also seems to be enjoying her time off the ice in Italy during the Milano Cortina Games.

Her performance

On Tuesday night local time, she took center stage on the ice and put on a beautiful performance that gives her a realistic shot at an Olympic medal when she skates the free skate on Thursday.

Alysa Liu was all smiles after her skate! 😀 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/TnoeyzaY7k
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 17, 2026

She also said she wished she could’ve been out there longer just to enjoy the moment:

“I do wish I was out there longer just to take in the moment some more.” -Alysa Liu#WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/LalqFjO8Cu
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 17, 2026

Liu filled with emotion getting a photo from back home

Her cats back home in the care of her friends definitely seemed to be enjoying the moment in a hilarious photo Liu shared after competing. She wrote, “kMy best friends had both my cats watch me skate tn sooo cute 🥺🥺” on the post.