Olympic Gold Inspires Gardena Mural for Alysa Liu

When Alysa Liu won Olympic gold in Milan, becoming the first American woman to claim the figure skating title in 24 years, artist Gustavo Zermeño Jr. knew exactly what he had to do.

The Mexican American artist spotted a perfect wall outside Coe's Glass & Mirror in Gardena and convinced the owner to let him paint a tribute to the 20-year-old skater. Within days, a larger-than-life portrait began taking shape on Crenshaw Boulevard.

But this mural celebrates more than just medals. Zermeño painted three images of Liu, with the centerpiece showing her iconic moment from the medal ceremony: grinning widely as she pretends to bite her gold medal, her distinctive "smiley" piercing on full display.

"Obviously her winning gold was the main factor," Zermeño said. But the deeper connections kept him inspired throughout the project.

Liu's story resonated personally with the Venice-raised artist. Both are first-generation Americans navigating their identity while pursuing their passions. Liu had stepped away from skating at 16, enrolled at UCLA, and returned to the sport on her own terms, expressing herself authentically.

Why This Inspires

Zermeño saw parallels to his own journey growing up in Venice, where the creative boardwalk culture taught him to embrace his individuality. He found Liu's Bay Area edge paired with athletic grace perfectly captured in her confident smile and unique style choices.

"I like that it's a little rough around the edges, but beautiful at the same time," Zermeño said of the portrait. "I think it really represents her personality and where she's from."

The project came together with impressive speed. Zermeño casually knew business owner Alex Lopez, who immediately approved the mural after seeing digital mockups. Lopez didn't even wait for landlord approval, trusting the vision would be worth it. He was right.

"I'm honored to have her mural here," Lopez said. "I feel like it represents the community and our business really well."

The artwork showcases Liu's halo hair and infectious smile, celebrating an athlete who chose to be herself rather than fit a traditional mold. Her two-year break from competitive skating and decision to return on her own terms sent a powerful message about authenticity and mental health.

As Zermeño puts the finishing touches on his work, the mural stands as a reminder that champions come in all forms, and the greatest victories often come when we have the courage to be exactly who we are.