Alysa Liu Takes a Break from the Ice

Welcome to a special edition issue of Renegades, Gold House’s editorial series spotlighting Asian Pacific leaders and creatives who are carving their own paths and defying stereotypes along the way. In partnership with Visa, this week’s Renegade is Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu!

An American figure skater and Olympian who made history as one of her generation's most accomplished skaters, Alysa became the youngest woman ever to land a triple Axel at 12, and the youngest U.S. National Champion at 13. After competing at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and winning a World Championship bronze, she retired at just 16, only to be inspired to return to the sport during a skiing trip with friends. Back on her own terms — personally selecting her costumes, music, and program aesthetic — she won the 2025 World Championship, becoming the first U.S. woman to do so in 19 years. She is now one of the Gold100, the 100 most impactful leaders in culture. See the full list at goldhouse.org/gold100!

We ask all our Renegades: what did you want to be when you were growing up, and how does that compare to where you are now?

I fantasized about a lot of different careers and lived paths. I wanted to be a fashion designer, an actress, and then a marine biologist. What I was really searching for was an outlet, a way to express myself. Figure skating is my outlet right now, and I’m very satisfied.

Do you have any habits you picked up from a young age that you’d attribute to your current success?

My dad’s approach to food has a huge impact on me and my successes. As an Asian parent, he was always feeding me, telling me to, “eat all the food off [my] plate.” I eat lots of protein and a lot of fruit—really good for the soul.

This year, you won two gold medals at the Milan Olympics. How has your life changed since then, and what’s next for you?

It’s been crazy. But I did have a few breaks here and there. I got five days [of rest] right after the games and spent them with friends. I said no to all interviews, media, and other requests.

Then it just got crazy from there. I’ve experienced a lot of firsts: my first fashion show, first music video, first awards show. A lot has been happening.

Right now, I’m on tour, and up next is more shows!

Looking at just the fever storm dream that is of coming off the Olympics, how are you feeling? How are you staying grounded, and how are you processing all of this change and success?

It is a lot to handle, but I’ve been processing all of this through things like talking to my friends all the time, [going to] therapy, listening to music, and skating. Figure skating really keeps me grounded. Every time I’m on the ice, I feel it immediately: “ I am here: present.”

What does a perfect day off look like for you? Are there any activities outside of skating that help keep you grounded?

Hiking! I love to go for a hike with friends or my siblings. The hikes in the Bay Area are very beautiful, especially the trails in Marina. After that, watch[ing] a new movie. I’m currently watching The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl.

Hiking and movies: that’s my perfect day.

This year, you’ll be recognized as a Gold100 Honoree, Gold House’s annual award that recognizes the most impactful Asian Pacific leaders. How does this recognition shape the way you think about your legacy?

I’m so honored to be recognized as a Gold100 Honoree, of course, but I feel so like… [it’s] not imposter syndrome, but I don’t know what to think about my legacy. I feel like I’m just doing what everyone else [in my position] would have done.

It’s surreal to be among a list of so many impressive people who are doing great things for the world and for the youth. I’m just glad I get to be here.

With Renegades, similar to Gold100, we’re spotlighting those who are paving their own way forward. Who is a Renegade in your life that inspires you?

My siblings. I have four younger siblings, and they inspire me to do good. I learn a lot from them, and I think I care more because I have them in my life.

You are a cultural icon — for Gen Z, for figure skating fans, and for so many people navigating their own identity and learning to be bold. As a Renegade, what’s your advice for those trying to pave their own path forward?

Number one: trust the process. And second: I think that if you have a few good people around you, or even just one good person around you, that can hold you down, you can do anything.

Favorite book: The Midnight Library [by Matt Haig]. I just finished reading that one!

Favorite movie: I really love Everything Everywhere All at Once. And Sinners.

Favorite snack: Right now? Shrimp chips.

Bucket list place to visit: Tahoe. I want to go skiing again.

Best advice you ever received: From my coach actually: “Trust the process.”