Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

U.S. Figure Skater Alysa Liu Makes Personal Admission After Winning Gold Medal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 7:30 AM ET

United States figure skater Alysa Liu has dominated headlines since she won the gold medal in the women’s free skate of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. This was Liu’s second medal in this year’s Winter Games after she helped lead Team USA to a gold-medal finish in the team event.

Liu has become one of the most sought-after Olympians following her historic free skate performance. After all, she is the first female American figure skater to win an individual gold since Sarah Hughes did it in 2002.

According to Liu, she has barely had any time for herself since she won the free skate.

Alysa Liu of the United States celebrates with the gold medal in the women's free skate during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.James Lang-Imagn Images

It has been a whirlwind for Liu since Thursday’s gold medal victory. She got some sleep after the event, but she has since been extremely busy with interviews and public appearances.

On Friday, Liu sat down with Coy Wire of CNN. During the interview, the 20-year-old admitted that she has not even checked her messages since her win.

"I haven't checked my phone,” Liu said. "Yeah, I'm, like, scared to check. I don't think I'll ever get through it."

View this post on Instagram

Liu’s phone has certainly blown up with messages and notifications since Thursday night. The 2025 World Figure Skating champion may have been unfazed by her big moment in the Olympics, but she is now feeling overwhelmed with having to go through her messages.

Liu will get to it sooner or later. She will also have some time for herself and her family once the buzz inevitably dies down. For now, however, the two-time Olympic gold medalist will continue to bask in her moment in the spotlight.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: