The Olympics are and always have been a staple of athleticism across the globe. Athletes from many types of sports train for years in hopes to land a chance to compete in the fight to determine whose country will bring home the gold.
Naturally, these athletes endure the most intense and excruciating trainings to prepare them for the performance of a lifetime. This can include strict diets, limited socialization and down time and other forms of cruel and unusual punishment. There is very little wiggle room for mistakes, creative liberties or any type of thinking outside the box during this time.
This year’s winner of the Winter Olympics’ “women’s singles” skating gold medal, Alysa Liu, made choices that defied the norm set in place for generations before her. For some, such a bold departure from traditional choices would lead to points taken off their score and being shamed for not fitting the elegant, modest cookie cutter that has been set in place for them. However, Liu’s exhibition of freedom and joy earned her nothing but the title of “America’s Golden Girl” as she brought home her gold medal.
Liu shared her testimony of how she left skating for a short period because she felt as though the sport was weighing on her and wearing her down more than uplifting her. She spoke on how she struggled with disordered eating and the pressure to perform perfectly at all times, which gradually ate away at her love for her sport. Many young people resonated with this, making her an overnight superstar and a hero in the eyes of thousands.
Almost immediately after Liu’s win, artists, performers and other groups of young people with a love for a practice took up their art again. TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and more blew up with videos of retired ballerinas in their 30s putting on their tights, skaters lacing up their boots and artists picking up their brushes for the first time in years.
Her Olympic Gala performance went viral shortly after, creating new trends of people recreating the opening portion of her routine and mimicking her sassy energy. It seemed as though overnight, the country revolved around Liu and her passionate, energy-giving execution of such a strict art.
Liu’s performance has brought life and joy to many since Olympic week. Her ability to step away from something that harmed her and return later with radiance is a picture perfect demonstration of the American pursuit of happiness.
Alysa Liu and other gold medalists, including Amber Glenn, Jason Brown and more, from this year’s winter Olympics can now be seen touring the country on their Stars on Ice Tour through November. What a perfect opportunity to feel the light and love of figure skating in person!
