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Alysa Liu’s Heartwarming Photo With Competitors After Gold Medal You Didn’t See

The 20-year-old took home gold at the Milano Cortina Games, but also won over hearts with her sportsmanship she displayed afterward.
Matt Ryan|
Feb 19, 2026; Milan, Italy; Alysa Liu of the United States celebrates with the gold medal in the women's free skate during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena.
Feb 19, 2026; Milan, Italy; Alysa Liu of the United States celebrates with the gold medal in the women's free skate during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena. | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Alysa Liu showed incredible sportsmanship after winning her incredible Olympic gold medal. There was one moment you didn’t see afterward that shows what the 20-year-old from Oakland, California, is all about.

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. Now she’s an Olympic champion as an individual at the Milano Cortina Games.

RELATED: Ilia Malinin’s Stunned Reaction Watching Alysa Liu’s Gold Medal Performance

Alysa Li
Feb 19, 2026; Milan, Italy; Alysa Liu of the United States celebrates with the gold medal in the women's free skate during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena. | James Lang-Imagn Images

It was this skate in this bold gold dress that won it.

Liu was so excited coming off the ice in celebration that she dropped the F-bomb.

RELATED: Alysa Liu Shows Off Insane Flexibility With Move BTS Before Her Gold Medal Skate

She’d also share a special moment with her family after as her dad Arthur went viral with his celebration.

Liu shows ultimate sportsmanship after gold

It was the class she showed to her opponent’s after that is telling of what kind of person Liu, who is a psychology major at UCLA, is.

She was seen hugging and congratulating 17-year-old bronze medalist Ami Nakai of Japan.

Her heartwarming photo with competitors

But it was this photo with silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto of Japan in it as well that is heartwarming and shows what the Games are all about.

Liu needs some sleep

On Friday, Liu hit The Today Show where she was still tired from all the celebrating.

She’s certainly earned it.

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Matt Ryan
MATT RYAN

Matt Ryan is a dedicated sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in digital and linear media. After receiving a Masters in Journalism from USC, he’s worked for Fox Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo Sports, USA Today Sports Media Group, and Bally Sports, while holding various leadership roles along the way.

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