Alysa Liu inspires young skaters at Oakland ice rink

Alysa Liu, an Oakland native who won Olympic gold — the first U.S. individual gold in women's figure skating in 24 years — is being celebrated at the Oakland Ice Center, where local youth and former classmates recalled her training and work ethic.

Alysa Liu, an Oakland native and recent Olympic gold medalist, is being celebrated at the Oakland Ice Center where she trained. The rink displays photos of her wins and young skaters visiting the facility recognized her achievements. Local recreational skaters and a former teacher described her strength, technical skill, and long-standing presence in the community. Reports note her competitive record stretches from youth wins to a 2025 championship after a return from retirement. Known details: - Alysa Liu is from Oakland and won Olympic gold, reported as the first U.S. individual gold in women's figure skating in 24 years. - She trained at the Oakland Ice Center, and the rink displays photos of her victories from 2016 through 2025. - Young skaters who visited the rink said they were in awe and pointed to her as a local role model. - Recreational skaters described her technical abilities and mental fortitude on the ice. - Laurice Guerin, Liu’s former English teacher at Oakland School for the Arts, recalled Liu’s hard work and popularity as a student. - In 2019, ABC7 interviewed Liu after she became the youngest-ever U.S. women's national champion at age 13. Summary: Her Olympic victory and long competitive history have drawn attention and admiration at the rink where she trained, reinforcing her presence in the local skating community. Former classmates, teachers, and current young skaters described her as a visible example of persistence and skill. Undetermined at this time.