“She brings entire ** village back”- Alysa Liu’s best friend shares behind the scenes airport reunion after gold at Winter Olympics 2026

Alysa Liu returned home to a heartwarming surprise after making history at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2026. The young American skater became the first athlete from the United States in 24 years to win Olympic gold in women’s singles figure skating. She finished the Games with two gold medals and delivered some of the most memorable performances of the competition. Shortly after her return, her best friend shared a touching yet fun behind-the-scenes airport video.

Liu first won gold in the team event, where she competed in the short program and placed second, helping the United States secure the top spot. Days later, she delivered a powerful free skate performance on February 19. Skating to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park Suite,” she successfully landed all seven triple jumps, including three combinations. Her total score of 224.90 earned her first individual Olympic gold medal and sealed a remarkable campaign.

Alysa Liu’s heroic homecoming after historic Milano Cortina Winter Olympics triumph

After her incredible run in Milan, Alysa Liu returned home to an emotional welcome. Her best friend posted a fun video on Instagram showing the moment she picked the Olympic champion up from the airport. The clip highlighted Liu’s luggage and captured cheerful moments of the two friends laughing inside the terminal and later in the car. The caption jokingly read, “Rare aesthetic: ur friend wins the Olympics and brings the entire m* village back home w her.”

Beyond the competitive events, Liu also performed in the exhibition gala on February 21. She skated to “Stateside” by PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson. Her beautiful routine impressed fans and even caught the attention of the singer herself. Larsson shared a video reacting to the performance and applauding the skater.

Speaking to the media after her free skate, Liu reflected on her Olympic journey. She explained that performing her programs exactly the way she imagined on such a grand stage had always been her dream. She said she felt extremely fortunate and grateful to have achieved that goal in the short program, the team event, and the free skate, and she was excited to do it once more in the gala. She described herself as feeling incredibly lucky and overwhelmed with happiness.

Liu also shared her thoughts about expressing herself through skating. She explained that she loves telling her personal story and showing her creative process on the ice.





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