UCLA Student, Olympian Alysa Liu Signs With Nike
UCLA student and two-time Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu has skyrocketed into stardom since winning two gold medals at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Her unique journey back to figure skating from a short retirement has captivated fans all over the world. She made a name for herself when she became the youngest U.
S. women’s national champion in history in 2019. Liu was projected to become a top figure skater for the U.
S. But then, Liu shocked the figure skating world when she retired just three years later at 16. She explained that she started viewing figure skating as an obligation rather than a passion.
Liu returned to figure skating after a ski trip reignited her love for figure skating. She won her first World Championship title in 2025 at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships. This made her the first American woman to win the title since 2006.
Then, Liu ultimately went on to win two gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics to become the first American woman to win an individual gold medal in Olympic figure skating in 24 years. Her story has inspired many people by showing how prioritizing mental health and joy can often lead to global success. Nike recently announced its partnership with Liu, adding her to an elite group of athletes working with the brand.