The ice resonated with more than just athletic prowess at the Milano Ice Skating Arena this past Thursday. Following a triumphant performance that secured her gold medal in the women’s free skating event – ending a 24-year drought for American women in the discipline – 20-year-old Alysa Liu captivated audiences once again during the Olympic Exhibition Gala. This time, still, her artistry extended beyond the technical brilliance of her skating to a carefully chosen soundtrack: the Zara Larsson remix of PinkPantheress’s hit song, “Stateside.” The performance underscored a growing trend of athletes embracing contemporary music, and for Liu, it was a deeply personal expression of gratitude and artistic connection.
Liu’s journey to Olympic gold has been anything but conventional. Her victory marked a significant moment for U.S. Figure skating, but her story is also one of resilience and self-discovery. She initially retired from the sport at just 16 years old, citing burnout after her debut at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. However, she returned to competitive skating two years later, driven by a renewed passion for the sport. This comeback culminated in her double gold medal performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics, securing victories in both the individual and team events. Her authenticity and unique style – including her signature “halo” hair and a smiley piercing – have resonated with fans and media alike, making her a compelling figure both on and off the ice.
A Soundtrack to Success: Alysa Liu and PinkPantheress
The choice of “Stateside” for her exhibition gala performance wasn’t arbitrary. Prior to the gala, a video message from PinkPantheress herself was shared with Liu by reporter Raymond Braun. In the message, the artist expressed her admiration for Liu, stating, “Alysa, lots of love, thank you so much for supporting me. I hope that you have a really good show. You are so inspiring and when I was younger I was obsessed with figure skaters so you are literally living my dream. Thank you so much for the love.” Liu responded with enthusiasm, revealing that PinkPantheress is her favorite artist and that she would choose “Stateside” if given the opportunity to perform at the gala. This exchange highlights the growing connection between athletes and musicians, and the power of music to inspire and motivate.
The connection between Liu and PinkPantheress extends beyond a simple fan-artist relationship. It represents a broader cultural shift where athletes are increasingly comfortable expressing their individuality through music choices that reflect their personal tastes. This trend is particularly noticeable among younger athletes who have grown up in a digital age where music is readily accessible and deeply integrated into their lives. Liu’s selection of “Stateside” wasn’t just about enjoying a favorite song; it was about sharing a piece of herself with the world.
Beyond the Gold: Liu’s Musical Journey at the Olympics
“Stateside” wasn’t the only carefully curated musical selection in Liu’s Olympic program. Throughout the competition, she demonstrated a sophisticated musical sensibility. In the short program, she skated to Laufey’s “Promise,” a song that showcased her lyrical skating style. For the free skate, she chose Donna Summer’s iconic 1978 hit, “MacArthur Park Suite,” a bold and dramatic choice that complemented her powerful performance. These selections demonstrate a thoughtful approach to choreography and a desire to tell a story through her skating. The choice of diverse musical styles – from contemporary pop to classic disco – highlights Liu’s versatility as an athlete and artist.
Zara Larsson herself reacted to Liu’s performance, expressing her excitement on social media. According to a post on TikTok, Larsson said the performance “gave me goosebumps.” This positive feedback from the artist herself further underscores the special connection between Liu and the music she chose to represent her on the Olympic stage. The interaction highlights the power of social media to connect artists and athletes, and to amplify the impact of their performances.
A Return to Form: Liu’s Inspiring Comeback
Liu’s Olympic success is particularly remarkable given her earlier retirement from the sport. She stepped away from competitive skating in 2022, citing the intense pressure and burnout she experienced after the Beijing Olympics. This decision was a courageous one, as it required her to prioritize her mental and emotional well-being over athletic achievement. However, after two years away from the ice, she returned with a renewed sense of purpose and a determination to pursue her passion on her own terms. Her comeback story is a testament to the importance of self-care and the power of resilience.
Liu’s advice to aspiring skaters – “Don’t try to be the next me” – reflects her commitment to individuality and authenticity. She encourages young athletes to focus on developing their own unique styles and pursuing their own goals, rather than trying to emulate others. This message is particularly relevant in a competitive sport like figure skating, where athletes often face pressure to conform to certain standards. Liu’s willingness to embrace her own individuality has made her a role model for aspiring skaters around the world.
The Impact of Authenticity and Style
Beyond her athletic achievements, Alysa Liu has captured the attention of the media and fans with her authentic personality and distinctive style. Her “halo” hair and smiley piercing are just two examples of how she expresses her individuality. This willingness to embrace her unique identity has resonated with a younger audience and helped to broaden the appeal of figure skating. Liu’s story demonstrates that athletes can be both successful and authentic, and that embracing individuality can be a source of strength.
The 2026 Winter Olympics have showcased a new generation of figure skaters who are not afraid to express themselves both on and off the ice. Liu’s performance, coupled with her inspiring comeback story, has solidified her position as a leading figure in the sport. Her choice of music, her unique style, and her commitment to authenticity have all contributed to her success and made her a role model for aspiring athletes around the world.
Key Takeaways
- Alysa Liu won gold in both the women’s free skating and team events at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Her exhibition gala performance, set to PinkPantheress’s “Stateside,” was a personal tribute to the artist who inspired her.
- Liu’s comeback story, following a retirement due to burnout, highlights the importance of mental health and resilience in athletics.
- Her authentic style and individuality have resonated with fans and broadened the appeal of figure skating.
- The growing trend of athletes embracing contemporary music reflects a broader cultural shift towards self-expression.
As Alysa Liu enjoys a well-deserved rest after her Olympic triumphs, the figure skating world eagerly anticipates her future endeavors. Her impact on the sport extends beyond her medals and performances; she has inspired a new generation of skaters to embrace their individuality and pursue their passions with courage and authenticity. The next major event on the figure skating calendar is the World Championships in Montreal, Canada, in March 2026, where Liu is expected to compete. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on Liu’s performance and the evolving landscape of figure skating in the comments below.
Related reading