Alysa Liu’s Social Media Soars Past Eileen Gu After Olympic Gold Win
Alysa Liu, the newest star of winter sports, has seen a remarkable rise on social media following her Olympic success. After clinching the gold medal in women’s figure skating during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, her Instagram followers skyrocketed to 5.3 million. This achievement marks the first individual Olympic gold for the United States in women’s figure skating in 24 years, making her an instant sensation.
Alysa Liu’s Social Media Growth
Before the Olympics, Liu had a modest following of under 300,000 on Instagram. Her extraordinary performance in the women’s final became one of the standout stories of the Olympics, pushing her popularity to new heights.
- Gold Medal: Alysa Liu won the gold medal in women’s figure skating.
- Instagram Followers: Liu reached 5.3 million followers after her win.
- Previous Followers: She had less than 300,000 followers before the Olympics.
Eileen Gu’s Accomplishments
In contrast, Eileen Gu, another prominent figure in the Olympic landscape, won three medals: one gold and two silvers, bringing her total Olympic medallion count to six. Despite this achievement, Gu’s following on Instagram lags at 3.7 million, a significant difference from Liu, who is on track to potentially double that number.
Gu, who competes for Team China, has also garnered attention for her impressive performances. However, the social media spotlight has shifted towards Liu, as their stories are often compared due to their shared Chinese-American heritage.
Contrasting Backgrounds and Paths
Both athletes come from immigrant families, yet their sporting journeys have diverged significantly. The Liu family remained devoted to Team USA, while Gu opted to represent China after a recruitment initiative aimed at enhancing the country’s competitive landscape in sports.
- Arthur Liu: Alysa’s father, who emphasized loyalty to Team USA.
- Yan Gu: Eileen’s mother, who raised her in San Francisco.
International Reaction and Media Attention
Despite their contrasting choices, both athletes faced immense scrutiny. Liu and her family were drawn into political discussions, particularly with tension surrounding U.S.-China relations. Liu described the experience as surreal, expressing both apprehension and excitement about the attention.
Meanwhile, Gu’s response to her critics reflects the complex nature of her decision to compete for China. She acknowledged feeling like a target of American political narratives and believes her success draws scrutiny that is less applicable to other athletes with different backgrounds.
Alysa Liu’s Future Prospects
Following her Olympic triumph, Alysa Liu has consolidated her status as a prominent figure in sports and has received widespread support. Conservative influencers and fans alike have celebrated her victory as a historic moment for American figure skating. In contrast, Gu continues to navigate her career amidst personal and political pressure.
The upcoming years will be critical for both athletes as they continue to shape their careers in the spotlight of international sports.
