With her signature hairstyle and unapologetic self, Alysa Liu, the Olympic gold medalist in figure skating at the Milan Winter Games, returned home to thousands of cheering fans and became a key to the city.
“I’m so grateful to all of you for showing up and performing. It’s crazy!” Liu told the crowd.
“We love seeing the people of Oakland shine. We love representing our people. So, yes, I’m taking today off to represent and celebrate one of our honorees,” said Maymunah Rashid, an Oakland resident.
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“We have a young sister who shows us how to live a remarkable, beautiful life on your own terms!” East Bay Congresswoman Lateefah Simon told the crowd.
Congresswoman Simon called Liu an “American hero.”
She was born and trained in Auckland and is an alumna of the Auckland School of Art. There were hundreds of school students in the crowd.
“It gives them the inspiration to believe that they too can achieve whatever they want,” said Steven Ward of the Auckland School of Art.
MORE: Auckland Olympic gold medalist Alyssa Liu inspires young athletes at local rink
Before the rally, Liu, who won two gold medals in Milan, spoke at a news conference with Auckland Mayor Barbara Lee, where she discussed her newfound popularity.
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“It’s crazy that I have such a high profile now. Never expected it, especially for a figure skater. You know, we don’t really explode like that,” Liu said.
She also reflected on her quest to become not just an Olympic champion, but an Asian American athlete and role model.
“I mean, representation is so important. Like, we don’t really realize it, but sometimes having one person is all you need. I’m always so grateful and honored that I get to do that for some people,” Liu said.
On stage, there were lion dances to honor her Asian heritage and performances from Oakland celebrities like Grammy-winning artist Kehlani, all in honor of the woman some say represents the future of Oakland.
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ARCHIVE EXCERPT: Oakland’s Alysa Liu makes history at 13 with Olympic dreams
ABC7 News reporter Lyanne Melendez caught up with Oakland native Alysa Liu in 2019, when she was just 13 years old, and thought about her future Olympic dreams.
Ms. Liu received much praise for her hard work and determination.
“I wish I could have the voice of a young athlete and be able to take a step back sometimes when I’m exhausted or working too hard. But you can do that. And then come back and win a world championship. And then come back and win an Olympic medal. It’s crazy!” said Andre Ward, an Oakland native and 2004 Olympic boxing gold medalist.
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Also on stage was another Bay Area figure skating gold medalist, 1992 champion Kristi Yamaguchi. She called Liu “a gamer” and a woman who competed with “true sportsmanship.”
Since returning from the Olympics, a billboard congratulating her has gone up, and she can be seen all over the Bay Area.
If you are using the ABC7 News app, click here to watch the live broadcast