Olympic Gold Medalist Alysa Liu Inspires Sabrina Carpenter

When Sabrina Carpenter thinks about what gives her hope for the future, Olympic champion Alysa Liu immediately comes to mind.

The 20-year-old figure skater made history at the 2026 Milan Olympics, winning gold in women's singles and helping Team USA capture gold in the team event. Her singles victory marked the first U.S. women's Olympic gold in the event in 24 years, since Sarah Hughes in 2002.

But Liu's path to the podium wasn't straightforward. After competing at the 2022 Beijing Games as a 16-year-old, she made the surprising choice to step away from competitive skating entirely.

Liu spent that time reconnecting with family and friends while starting her psychology studies at UCLA in fall 2023. When she returned to the ice in 2024, she came back stronger and more focused than ever.

In a recent interview with Perfect Magazine, Carpenter explained why Liu inspires her so deeply. "She gives me hope," the pop star said, praising young people who keep art alive and stay authentic.

Carpenter was particularly struck by Liu's self-assurance and willingness to be exactly who she is, despite intense public scrutiny. "She's so articulate, so self-assured, and isn't looking at so many eyes on them as a reason to play it safe, but really a reason to just be exactly who they are," Carpenter said.

Why This Inspires

Liu's definition of success shows exactly what Carpenter admires. In an interview with Nike, Liu explained that success means spending time with loved ones and having new experiences, not just winning medals.

She lives by the motto "YOLO" (You Only Live Once), using it to make the most of every moment. That philosophy helped her step away from skating when she needed to and return when the time felt right.

Liu's authenticity extends beyond the ice. She's currently headlining the Stars On Ice Tour alongside fellow Olympic champions Ilia Malinin and Amber Glenn, bringing her joy for skating directly to fans across the country.

The tour runs through May 31, giving audiences a chance to see the champion who's inspiring pop stars and proving that staying true to yourself is the ultimate victory.