MILAN — Just a day after winning the gold medal in the women’s individual figure skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Alysa Liu’s father, Arthur Liu, reflected on the whirlwind of emotions that accompanied his daughter’s monumental achievement. During an exclusive interview, he expressed his pride while also voicing regrets about past decisions that impacted Alysa’s earlier skating career.
In a moment of introspection, Arthur admitted he wished he had handled certain aspects of Alysa’s skating journey differently, particularly the choice to relocate the family from Northern California to Colorado Springs to pursue training. This decision came before Alysa’s disappointing sixth-place finish at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, after which she briefly stepped away from the sport. “In retrospect, I feel I made a mistake,” Arthur stated. He recognized that Alysa was overwhelmed during this period and began to resent skating. It was a wake-up call for him when he learned just how much she struggled with the transition.
However, the pivotal moment came when Alysa decided to return to skating at the age of 18. Arthur recalled her declaration: “I’m coming back. I’m going to do it on my terms.” He embraced her newfound independence, understanding that she needed to take control of her own career. “I just want to support her,” he noted, acknowledging that parenting five children was a demanding endeavor.
Alysa’s journey to the Olympics was not just about personal struggle, but also about familial love and support. On the day of her victory in Milano, Arthur and his four children secured seats near the rink, eagerly anticipating the moment. They waited until the practice session to greet her and share in the celebration, filled with hugs and heartfelt pictures.
Reflecting back on her skating journey, Arthur reminisced about the joy of those early days when Alysa skated alongside her siblings, playing games and making friends at the rink. The essence of fun in those moments has resonated through to her Olympic triumph. “She’s just really happy to see the crowd,” he shared, noting Alysa’s desire to put on a great performance.
With the accolades of Olympic champion now enveloping Alysa, Arthur expressed a profound trust in her abilities. He maintained a healthy perspective on competition, emphasizing that the joy of performing was paramount. “If she does that, normally it works out pretty well for her,” he said, a sentiment that ultimately proved true as Alysa claimed gold, becoming the first American figure skater to achieve this since 2002.
Arthur Liu’s journey alongside his daughter highlights the delicate balance of parental support and independence, revealing that while the path of an athlete is fraught with challenges, the love of family can shine through even the toughest moments. Alysa’s gold medal represents not only her personal victory but also the resilience and joy of a family united in their hopes and dreams.