Olympic Skater Alysa Liu Reveals Real Meaning Behind Striped Hairstyle

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Alysa Liu likes to live on the edge.

The U.S. figure skater chose a striking new look for the 2026 Olympics, debuting dark brown hair with horizontal platinum blonde streaks while skating.

For the 20-year-old athlete—who briefly retired in 2022 before returning to compete professionally two years later—the glowing visual effects around her head have a particular significance.

Alysa told NBC last month that she adds a stripe each year. She plans to continue this process, adding another ring around the end of December each winter.

The hairstyle Olympic viewers saw on February 8th, when she won a gold medal in the team figure skating event with Ilia Malinin, Madison Chock, Evan Bates, Amber Glenn, Ellie Kam, and Daniel O’Shea, had actually been years in development.

In a TikTok video from February 10th, Alysa shared with Paralympian Haven Shepherd that she wished she could be a tree, explaining that the rings inside a tree trunk represent the passing of years. She then revealed she got her first tattoo three years ago, marking a personal milestone like a tree ring.

Okay, so you won’t BELIEVE this! My idol actually did her own hair stripes for her latest look! It wasn’t totally DIY though, she needed a little help getting her hair bleached to that perfect blonde. And honestly, thank goodness for Kelsey Miller, this amazing hairstylist from St. Louis, who saved the day! She’s a lifesaver and deserves all the credit!

In a recent interview with Allure, Kelsey described the experience as something completely new for her. She enjoyed the chance to try something different and step outside of her usual routine.

It took the hair colorist five hours to change Alysa’s initial highlights—soft ginger tones in her brown hair—to a creamy, light brown shade resembling milk tea.

“We started in the back of her head,” Kelsey continued, “and took it all the way through.”

She added, “Your hair is truly your identity. It can help you with your confidence.”

For more on Alysa and the rest of Team USA, keep reading.

Though Mikaela Shiffrin has won three Olympic medals, she’s determined to perform better at her fourth Olympics. She didn’t achieve the results she wanted at the 2022 Beijing Games, and a serious crash in November 2024 – which caused an abdominal injury requiring surgery – added to the challenge.

In a recent interview with TIME, Mikaela Shiffrin explained that she’s acutely aware of the unpredictable nature of competition. She understands that even with perfect preparation, a medal isn’t guaranteed. However, she feels a strong connection with her team – coaches and staff alike – and believes that together, they’ll be able to overcome any challenges that arise. She feels that’s all she can do to prepare.

Mikaela Shiffrin has been supported for years by Norwegian skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, and the two are now engaged to be married.

He keeps telling me to stay positive and that everything will be alright, she shared with Olympics.com. Last season was particularly tough, and she often wondered if pushing herself to return was too much, too soon, or even possible. But he reassured her, reminding her that she knows her own limits and that she’s doing all she can. He told her it’s okay if things don’t work out.

After struggling with repeated knee injuries, Lindsey Vonn retired from competitive skiing in 2019. She had competed in five Winter Olympics, earning a gold medal in downhill and a bronze in Super-G at the 2010 games, and another bronze in downhill at the 2018 games.

After a partial knee replacement in 2024 finally relieved the pain she’d lived with since her first knee surgery in 2013, she rediscovered her desire for speed.

While he enjoys other things like board meetings and investing, the 41-year-old told NBC News in December that nothing compares to the thrill of downhill skiing. He’s built a good life beyond the sport, and accepts he’ll never recapture that feeling, but he’s determined to savor these final moments of adrenaline.

As a lifestyle and wellness expert, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly things can change, and Vonn’s crash back on January 30th in Switzerland was a really scary moment. Honestly, it felt like it could have ended her incredible comeback right then and there – being airlifted off the mountain is never a good sign!

Despite tearing her left ACL, the experienced athlete announced she was healthy enough to race in the women’s downhill competition on February 8th, even after previously stating she was prepared to risk it all.

At a press conference on February 3rd, she firmly stated her determination, saying, “I won’t let this opportunity pass me by. I’m remaining strong and composed, and I’ll give it my all.”

Sadly, Vonn had a crash during the race and broke her tibia in a complicated way, needing several operations to fix it.

 

Jessie Diggins, the most accomplished American cross-country skier ever, is competing in what will be her last Olympic Games.

And the Afton, Minn., native is headed to Italy with a purpose.

In a recent Instagram post on January 31st, the 34-year-old shared that they have the freedom to choose who they compete for and live according to their beliefs. They dedicated their efforts to those who show care and compassion to others, stating that these individuals inspire them and make them proud to represent their community. They expressed a desire to bring happiness to these supporters in the coming weeks.

After she retires, she shared with NPR’s All Things Considered that she’s looking forward to spending time gardening and, most importantly, being home with her husband.

At just 17, Stolz first competed in the Olympics in Beijing. Though he didn’t medal four years ago, he’s now a strong contender to win gold in several speed skating events at the Milan Cortina Games, including the 500, 1,000, and 1,500 meters, and the mass start race (which is 16 laps or 6,400 meters long).

As a pro at navigating high-stakes situations, I feel really confident heading into the competition. Honestly, if I can just perform at my best – really nail those races – I believe I have a strong shot at bringing home the gold. People ask me about the pressure, but I’ve learned to thrive in those moments. I’ve faced a lot of pressure before, so it doesn’t really faze me. As long as everything goes smoothly, I know I can handle it.

On February 11th, Stolz took the gold medal in the men’s 100m race, breaking the Olympic record with a time of 1:06.28.

Four years after making history at the Beijing Winter Olympics – becoming the first Black American woman to medal in speed skating and the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal – 500-meter champion Erin Jackson will carry the U.S. flag into the Opening Ceremony on February 6th. She will share the honor with bobsledder Frank Del Duca.

The 33-year-old from Ocala, Florida, said it was a great honor to represent the United States internationally. She explained that this achievement wasn’t just about her, but also about her family, team, hometown, and all Americans who support athletics.

Although she’s not retiring immediately, Jackson plans to start an organization dedicated to helping young Black athletes achieve their goals in speed skating.

She believes seeing someone who shares your background succeed is incredibly important, and that’s been lacking in winter sports, especially speed skating. She feels proud to be a role model and hopes to inspire others to try the sport, doing everything she can to help them achieve their own success.

Okay, so everyone thought a little tear in her shoulder – she actually dislocated it while training in Switzerland back in January! – would keep Kim from going for her fourth Olympics. Can you believe it? Like, a tiny injury was supposed to stop her from potentially winning her third gold in the halfpipe?! Absolutely not. She’s Kim, and she’s going for it, injury or not! I’m so hyped!

The 25-year-old athlete from Torrance, California, expressed disappointment in a video posted on January 13th that she won’t be able to snowboard again until just before the Olympics, which will make preparation difficult. She acknowledged she hasn’t had as much practice as she’d hoped, but remains optimistic about it.

She anticipates a relaxed preparation period leading up to the 2026 Games. In a January 22nd interview with NBC Olympics, she explained she was currently at home and planned to travel to Europe early the following week for some training before going to Milan for the event.

And once she was there, she’d be fired up and ready to go—just like everyone else.

It’s hard to put into words what it’s like,” said Kim, who has been snowboarding since she was a child, “but it feels like everyone becomes the best version of themselves out there.

Gerard first won an Olympic gold medal in slopestyle at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games when he was 17 years old. Now a two-time X Games champion, he’s aiming to carry that success into his third Olympic appearance.

The 25-year-old, originally from Ohio and now living in Colorado, told People magazine in January that she still feels young and healthy. She also shared how much she enjoys being a veteran on Team USA, having been involved since age 13, and being able to mentor the newer, younger athletes.

When it comes to competing at the Olympics, Gerard focuses on treating it like any other competition. He acknowledges it’s a much larger event with more attention, but ultimately, the snowboarding itself doesn’t change. He tries to stay focused on his own performance and approach it the same way he always has, blocking out the extra pressure.

The 31-year-old snowboarder is competing in his third Olympic Games, hoping to add a gold medal to his collection after winning silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022.

Aspen, Colorado native Ferreira believes this is his year to win gold. He told the Daily Express that he’s entering the games fully healthy for the first time, unlike his previous two attempts where he competed with injuries – a broken collarbone weeks before one games and a sprained ankle three weeks before the other. He feels more prepared now, noting he’s older and incredibly focused.

Beyond his sister Lourdes and athletic parents – Marcelo, a former soccer player from Argentina, and Colleen, a competitive relay racer – he also has a rescue dog named Brandy by his side.

What I love most about my dog, Brandy, is her unwavering affection. As Nulo’s ambassador, I shared that she doesn’t care about accomplishments; she simply greets me with a wagging tail and is always there for me, through thick and thin. I truly rely on her companionship.

Ferreira won a silver medal at the men’s freestyle skiing slopestyle event on Feb. 10.

Hall is competing in his third Olympics, hoping to repeat his gold medal win in slopestyle. He previously finished 16th in the event at the 2018 Games and has significantly improved since then.

Beyond potentially winning another slopestyle gold—a medal he famously keeps in his sock drawer—the laid-back 27-year-old is also aiming to do better than his eighth-place finish in Big Air at the 2022 competition. He said winning once was incredible, and repeating that success would be amazing.

In an interview with POWDER magazine in October 2025, Hall expressed his enthusiasm for the return of the Olympics to Europe, highlighting the prospect of skiing on quality snow amidst impressive mountain scenery – something the last two Olympics lacked. He also shared a personal connection to the upcoming games, noting his Italian heritage – his mother is from Bologna, and many family members still live there and plan to attend, which he finds particularly exciting.

The 29-year-old freestyle skier is competing in her third Olympic Games and hopes to build on the silver medal she won in Beijing.

She always knows who to ask for help, whether it’s about getting better at her sport or dealing with the stress of competing on the world stage.

Patti Sherman-Kauf is a highly accomplished athlete, having won two championships on the World Pro Moguls Tour – even while pregnant with her daughter. Her husband, Scott Kauf, also excelled in moguls, earning five titles. After retiring from mogul skiing, Patti transitioned to skicross and secured three bronze medals at the X Games.

Jaelin wasn’t like most babies; she preferred being bounced instead of rocked, according to her mother, Patti, in an interview with NBC Olympics.

Jaelin confessed to Teton Gravity Research in November 2025 that she didn’t initially love mogul skiing. She always preferred a day with fresh powder. However, watching her parents build careers as professional skiers showed her it was a viable path for herself. She realized not everyone has that example or support, but she always felt confident she could pursue it.

Team Jaelin also includes her boyfriend, Bradley Wilson, a two-time Olympic skier who is now retired, and his brother Bryon Wilson, who won a bronze medal and also coaches Kauf.

Kauf won a silver medal in women’s freestyle skiing moguls on Feb. 11.

Humphries’ journey has had more twists than a bobsled run.

Originally from Calgary, this 40-year-old athlete represented Team Canada in two-woman bobsled and achieved impressive results at the Winter Olympics, winning gold in both 2010 and 2014, and a bronze medal in 2018.

In 2019, she surprised everyone in the sports world by leaving the Canadian national team after 16 years. She explained that she was worried about her safety due to a harmful atmosphere within the team leading up to the 2018 Olympics.

In 2019, Humphries began competing for the U.S. team while also maintaining her Canadian citizenship, stating she didn’t intend to choose between the two countries.

She clarified that her affection for Canada hasn’t diminished, but she’s capable of loving another place equally. Having lived in the U.S. for four years, she found love with an American, and they got married. Now, life has presented them with new opportunities, requiring them to make some difficult choices.

In 2021, Elana Humphries became a U.S. citizen and then went on to win gold in the very first women’s monobob event at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

This will be her fifth Olympic Games, but her first since becoming a mother. She and her husband, Travis Armbruster, welcomed their son, Aulden, in June 2024.

For a long time, people have said that having a baby means the end of an athlete’s career – that your body will change too much, both physically and mentally, and you’ll never return to top performance. As Humphries told The Athletic, that used to be the accepted truth. But now, athletes are demonstrating that it is possible to have a child and still compete at a high level – you don’t have to choose between the two.

For five-time Olympian, bobsledding is now a personal escape. Since becoming a mother with her husband, Nic Taylor, she’s found solace in the sport. They welcomed their son, Nico, in 2020, and another son, Noah, in 2022. Nico has Down syndrome, and both boys are deaf – a condition caused by a gene both parents unknowingly carried until Nico’s birth.

Even though things were incredibly hectic at home, Meyers Taylor really wanted her children to witness her professional life.

“The challenges they’ll face are beyond what I can imagine,” the 41-year-old explained to The Athletic. “I hope they learn that even when things get hard, you can still chase your goals. I want them to see me succeed, with medals, but also to see me struggle, recover, and keep fighting.”

Although Kaillie Meyers Taylor has won five Olympic medals – four in two-woman bobsled and a silver in monobob in 2022 – she’s still hoping to earn her first gold medal.

Skeleton racing is undeniably cool – it’s a sport where athletes slide headfirst down an icy, winding track at speeds reaching 90 mph.

Ro, who became the first American to win a medal in skeleton at the IBSF World Championships in 12 years (in 2025), initially didn’t believe she’d actually won.

She remembers her first time trying skeleton in 2016 vividly. After being told she was too small for bobsled, her coach guided her to the starting line. She said it happened so quickly she couldn’t see or think. When she reached the bottom, her immediate reaction was, ‘I’m never doing that again!’ She shared this memory with The Athletic in December.

But after listening to enough people rave about how cool it was, she tried it again.

Ten years after starting her journey, the athlete from Virginia is now competing in her first Olympics. She’ll be participating in both individual events and the brand-new mixed team event, which is being introduced at the 2026 Games.

Ro, who comes from a large family of eleven children (including a twin sister born just 14 minutes after her), works as a tour guide at the Lake Placid Olympic Center when she isn’t training or competing. Like many athletes in less-publicized sports, she takes on a second job to help cover expenses.

She described being fully immersed in her work and training environment, saying it’s a constant part of her life. She also explained that tourists enjoy tours led by athletes, who offer a special behind-the-scenes look at the facilities. While she loves sharing her experience, she emphasized that the income from tours won’t be enough to fully fund her athletic pursuits.

Illya Malinin comes from a family of figure skating stars – both his parents were Uzbekistani champions. He started skating at age six, but as a kid growing up in Virginia, he actually preferred playing soccer outdoors to practicing in the chilly ice rink.

At age 17, he achieved a historic feat at the 2022 CS U.S. International Classic by becoming the first—and so far only—skater to land a fully rotated quadruple axel in an international competition.

Ilia Malinin, known as the “Quad God,” has successfully landed four quadruple jumps in a single program several times. With Nathan Chen, previously called the “Quad King,” not competing in the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, Malinin is currently considered the top U.S. male skater with a strong chance of winning another individual gold medal.

I’ve been following this athlete for a while now, and it’s great to see how he’s handled being left off Team USA four years ago. He’s really dedicated himself to improving, and at just 20 years old, he’s completely focused on making sure he’s in top form and gives it his all this time around. It’s inspiring to watch him work so hard!

In competitions, I focus on delivering a strong performance, not on winning medals,” Ilia Malinin explained on the USA Today podcast, Milan Magic. “I concentrate on my role as a skater and making sure I’m fully prepared. If I skate cleanly, I believe the medals will follow.”

He and his U.S. figure skating teammates clinched the gold medal in the teams event on Feb. 8.

After competing in the Beijing Olympics and World Championships – where she earned a bronze medal – Liu retired from competitive skating in 2022.

Liu explained to NBC News that she began her rigorous training at age five and continued until she was sixteen. Because she was homeschooled throughout her life, and really values social interaction, she found it difficult to be isolated for so long. She spent many years training alone, without family or friends nearby, all in pursuit of her goals.

She explained that she had very little control over her own choices, saying people often picked her outfits and activities for her. She felt like a doll being dressed up and didn’t enjoy it, but she felt obligated to compete in the Olympics, believing it was something she needed to do for the sake of her younger self.

I was so thrilled when she started at UCLA in the fall of 2023 – it seemed like she was finally getting a chance at a normal college life. But then, something amazing happened! A ski trip in January really reignited her competitive spirit, and by March 2024, she was back in full force. This 20-year-old from Clovis, California, went on to win gold at the World Championships in 2025, which was incredible to witness. Now, she’s setting her sights on the 2026 Games, and I’m really hoping she’ll break the U.S. women’s 20-year streak without an individual medal – and ideally, add even more gold to her collection!

When she takes the ice now, “it’s fully for myself,” Liu explained. “Yeah, it’s pretty cool.”

Liu and her U.S. figure skating teammates clinched the gold medal in the teams event on Feb. 8.

These partners are competing in their fourth Olympic Games, and it’s their first time competing as a married couple since they wed in June 2024.

As a longtime fan, it’s so heartwarming to hear how getting married has deepened the connection between Chock and her partner. She shared with TopMob News that it’s truly solidified their dedication not only to each other, but also to their skating. They already had an incredible bond built through years of skating together, but now, as husband and wife, they approach everything as a team, fully supporting and celebrating each other’s successes, both on and off the ice. It’s just beautiful to see!

Although they helped the U.S. figure skating team win gold at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, the three-time world champion pair haven’t yet earned an Olympic medal of their own.

We’ve been working really hard and dedicating a lot of time and effort,” Bates shared with TopMob, “and we truly appreciate every day and the chance we’ve been given.

While 36-year-old Madison Chock and her partner, 33, haven’t announced their retirement, they recognize they’re nearing the end of their competitive career and this Olympics could be one of their last.

At the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Bates told NBC Olympics that they were trying to stay focused and not get overwhelmed by the emotions of the event and their 15-year partnership. They said the best reward would be a strong performance, but they also wanted to savor the moment, knowing it might be their last competition. They went on to win gold at the event.

On February 8th, the pair took home the gold medal in the team figure skating event and earned a silver medal in ice dancing.

The veteran U.S. women’s national team player, a gold medalist in 2018, has announced that the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics will be her last. At 36 years old, this will be her fifth Olympic Games, making her the American hockey player—male or female—with the most Olympic appearances.

Although she’d love to win another gold medal, Knight emphasized to Today.com that many of her teammates are attending the Olympics for the first time. She’s focused on ensuring everyone feels comfortable and can perform at their best. Knight believes the team has incredible talent, and if they can all reach their full potential, it will significantly boost their chances of success.

A University of Wisconsin graduate, this athlete currently plays for the Seattle Torrent in Washington. However, she and her partner, Brittany Bowe—a veteran speed skater competing in her fourth and final Olympics shortly before turning 38 on February 24—have made their home in Salt Lake City.

As elite athletes, you develop a strong sense of what someone else needs – whether it’s encouragement or time to themselves,” Knight explained to NBC Olympics in June 2025. “Because we’ve both been competing at a high level for so long, we naturally understand each other well.

This mixed doubles curling team, paired up after the 2022 Beijing Olympics, is competing in their first Olympics as a duo. They previously placed fifth at the 2025 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship and won a world championship in 2023. They attribute their success not only to their skill and dedication, but also to how well their personalities mesh.

Ahead of the Milan Cortina Games, 30-year-old Dropkin explained how well she and her teammate, Cory, work together. They’ve found a great balance, staying relaxed and focused on the present. Someone recently described them as ‘the calm and the fire’ – Cory is steady and confident on the ice, while Dropkin brings a lot of energy and passion. They believe that combination is key to their success.

He and his wife, Thiesse, who married Sam Thiesse in June 2022, live in Duluth, Minnesota. They both work regular jobs to support their passion for curling.

Dropkin works in real estate, and Thiesse is a lab technician who tests wastewater for mercury. Thiesse shared with Duluth’s ABC 10 that she’s thankful to have a stable job while pursuing her passion for curling, something she and her teammates have dreamed of since childhood.

The pair won a silver medal in the mixed doubles event on Feb. 10.

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2026-02-12 06:20