U.S. Figure Skating Icon Michelle Kwan Reacts to Alysa Liu’s Winter Olympics Message
© Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Key Points
- Alysa Liu won two gold medals at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
- Liu celebrated her victory with Japanese competitors, sharing a heartfelt message on social media.
- Michelle Kwan publicly praised Liu, highlighting the passing of the figure skating torch.
Alysa Liu is following in the footsteps of United States figure skating icon Michelle Kwan, who is widely considered an icon of the sport.
Kwan was a dominant force in ice skating in the 1990s and 2000s. She is a nine-time U.S. national champion, a five-time World Champion and a two-time Olympic medalist.
To a certain extent, Liu has already surpassed Kwan’s achievements at this point in the 20-year-old’s career. While Kwan has a silver and a bronze medal from the Winter Games, Liu left the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics with two golds in tow.
Liu helped lead Team USA to victory in the team event before securing a second gold medal in the women’s individual competition.
Liu beat out two Japanese competitors in the free skate. Kaori Sakamoto finished second, while 17-year-old Ami Nakai rounded out the Top 3. Liu drew a lot of praise for choosing to celebrate her victory with her opponents.
On Tuesday, Liu took to social media to share a heartfelt message for Sakamoto and Nakai. The U.S. ice skater expressed her appreciation for the Japanese stars.
“Grateful to have shared the podium with two incredible teammates of mine on this crazy Olympic journey!” Liu wrote on Instagram. “Proud of what we accomplished together and individually. Hyped, we each got to capture this victory selfie as a group and share our joy with the world.”
Kwan commented on Liu’s post with just one word.
“
Bravo,” replied the 45-year-old figure skating legend.
Kwan’s comment quickly drew the attention of fans on social media.
“Michelle Kwan the goat the legend the queen the icon. The artistry QUEEN,” a comment on Instagram read.
“Haven’t been this obsessed with ice skating since MICHELLE KWAN- the ultimate poet on ice,” another said.
“THEE legend,” declared a supporter.
“You are the icon. Absolutely followed your career. Always so kind and gracious. Alysa Liu reminds me of you always positive. You are both amazing at your sport and in life,” a reaction read.
“The motion you gotta have to have Michellewkwan big upping,” said another.
“We love you Michelle!” a user posted.
This is not the first time Kwan has shown her support for Liu. Kwan is well aware of the fact that Liu is now the sport’s torch-bearer, and the icon is backing her every step of the way.
