Winter Olympic champion Alysa Liu’s victory is not only the pinnacle of athletic achievement, but also a profound dialogue of the soul. The beauty on the ice is so light and effortless, yet the decision to leave behind an authoritarian homeland carries immense weight.
In a 2022 interview, Liu expressed her father’s respect for the struggle for freedom:
“I’m very grateful that I grew up in America. My dad escaped from China and came here for a better life. I’m happy to be here and representation is important.”
Liu believes that representing a country that protected her father and granted him freedom is, in itself, a powerful response to authoritarianism.
Skating Not for AuthoritarianismU.S. figure skating witnessed a miraculous moment at the Milan Winter Olympics. American skater Alysa Liu captured gold with a vibrant and energetic disco free skate performance. It was her first Winter Olympic gold medal, and it marked the United States’ first women’s singles Olympic title in 24 years, ending Russia’s 12-year dominance. In that moment, the ice showcased not only technical brilliance, but also a sense of unrestrained self-expression—an aura of freedom uniquely her own.
Behind the Gold MedalBehind Liu’s victory stands a father who once spoke out for democracy. Her father, Arthur Liu, was a student participant in the 1989 Tiananmen pro-democracy movement and later went into exile in the United States. Despite reported warnings from the FBI about being targeted by Chinese agents and requiring U.S. government protection during the Beijing Winter Olympics, he never bowed to authoritarian pressure. The spirit forged in Tiananmen Square three decades ago has, in a way, transformed into the strength with which his daughter now glides across the ice.
Liu once announced her retirement to live a normal student life, only to return against expectations. She planned her own programs and training, and firmly chose to compete as an American—breathing, training, and performing in an atmosphere of freedom. Turning down financial incentives from China, her choice was not merely about medals, but about pursuing passion without becoming a tool of authoritarian power.
Democracy and Freedom vs. Wealth and InfluenceIn contrast, another athlete representing the People’s Republic of China, Eileen Gu, once described herself as “American when I’m in the U.S., Chinese when I’m in China.” She reportedly earned $23 million in endorsement deals last year. While openly critical of Trump in the United States, she has remained silent on human rights issues in China. When financial gain and universal values appear in tension, critics argue that she chose endorsement income. Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom publicly criticized her, saying that one cannot enjoy American freedoms while serving as “a public relations tool” for a regime accused of oppression in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong.
The True Winner in ValuesIn the 21st century, democracy faces infiltration and compromise, as some global elites lend their voices to authoritarian regimes in exchange for wealth and influence. In contrast, Arthur Liu refused to be bought or to bend to dictatorship, dedicating himself to raising his daughter. Today, 20-year-old Alysa Liu stands with an Olympic gold medal—but one could argue that the true winner in this broader struggle between democracy and authoritarianism was the young man in Tiananmen Square in 1989 who chose exile over surrender.
