Olympic Star Alysa Liu Returns to Bay Area; Oakland Celebrates
Alysa Liu, the Olympic star from the Bay Area, has made a significant comeback in figure skating. After a challenging period following her sixth-place finish at the Beijing Olympic Games, Liu stepped back from the sport. She expressed feelings of burnout and a lack of joy in skating.
Alysa Liu’s Return to the Ice
However, in 2024, while on a skiing trip, Liu reignited her passion for skating. She began training again at the Oakland Ice Center, where she had a strong support system. Over the past two years, this rink has become a symbol of her resurgence.
Community Support and Celebrations
During her time in Milan for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games 2026, the Oakland Ice Center organized viewing parties to celebrate her performances. They expressed their pride in her achievements through social media announcements:
- “We are so proud to share the ice with you.”
- BART celebrated her victories, referring to her as a “BART rider and Oakland legend.”
- Commenters on Bluesky highlighted her connection to public transit, especially after she recorded a bilingual message for Muni’s L-Taraval train reopening in September 2024.
Recent Achievements
Liu’s talent shone through during the Women’s Singles Skating competition on February 19, 2026. She won the gold medal, proving her dedication and skill on the world stage in Milan.
Local Icons Rally Behind Liu
Support from fellow Bay Area residents has been overwhelming. Marshawn Lynch, a former football star, recorded a message encouraging her to bring home the gold, saying:
- “Go out there and win some gold, bring that sh-t back to the Town man.”
Following her stellar free skate performance that put her on top of the leaderboard, Liu expressed gratitude and gave a heartfelt “Oakland shoutout” to her hometown.
Conclusion
Alysa Liu’s journey reflects resilience and a deep connection to her community. As she continues her pursuit of excellence, the Bay Area remains proud of its Olympic champion.
