Alysa Liu chose a community celebration in Oakland instead of a parade.

Thousands gathered at Frank Ogawa Plaza as Oakland-born Olympic champion Alysa Liu held a short "Celebration Rally" where she ceded the spotlight to the community and received a key to the city.

Alysa Liu returned to Oakland for a public "Celebration Rally" at Frank Ogawa Plaza that drew thousands. She chose not to hold a parade and asked for an event focused on community and local culture. The 20-year-old became the first American woman in 24 years to win an individual Olympic figure skating gold medal. Liu trained at the Oakland Ice Center and attended the Oakland School for the Arts, and she emphasized the city that raised her. Notable details: - Thousands attended the celebration in Frank Ogawa Plaza. - Mayor Barbara Lee presented Liu with a key to the city; Liu gave a brief speech and stepped away from the spotlight. - Local performers and organizations — including Oakland School for the Arts students, TURFinc, U.S. Shaolin Kung Fu lion dancers, and local sports mascots — took part in the event. - Bay Area artists and musicians joined the lineup, and Kehlani gave a surprise concert that Liu watched from the crowd. - Organizers and attendees described the rally as intended to uplift Oakland and highlight community and culture. Summary: The rally underscored Liu's ties to Oakland and prioritized a community-focused celebration over a traditional victory parade. Undetermined at this time.