In my years of watching figure skating, I often had the feeling the skater was on the brink of losing control and not in a good way. Liu’s performance was the most fluid, yet controlled, athletic feat I’ve ever seen, and I thought Simone Biles had set the record for flawless comeback in a display of athletic magic. Free is a great word to describe her mastery of such a demanding sport.
My favorite thing she said was in reflecting on her free skate, that she was glad/proud/happy that people got to "see what I built for myself". YES!
In a sport rife with abuse, of young women in particular, she is truly, truly revolutionary. It was the most joyful Olympic podium I remember experiencing in a number of years.
I love all the things about figure skating and Alysa Liu - the girly, frilly, feminine outfits, the twirls, AND that she reclaimed herself and that she was going back into it only on her own terms. Now that is feminism the way it is supposed to be. And what a difference it made. Bravo.
In addition to her own joy, she was also supportive and joyful for the other skaters competeting. Chloe Kim did the same with her competitors; joyful over their performances, too. Each time, it was genuine joy, almost palpable through the TV screen.
Thank you for your post, I felt the same watching Alysa Liu 💛
The sport has always had "power women," even before that phrase was a thing.
If you look at the video of one of the Olympic after parties you'll see Dr Tenley Albright.
Ms Albright was the first American woman to win Olympic gold in figure skating. She accomplished this feat 70 years ago, in Italy, in 1956. Right after her victory she returned to her native Boston to study at Harvard, graduate from its medical school, and become a prominent surgeon. This was back in the old Feminine Mystique days so it was no easy task.
And this was all after surviving polio as a little girl.
Today, at 90, she's cheering on the Blade Angels.
It's been 24 years since the last American woman did this (Sarah Hughes, who also became a doctor), so it's a very special time for skating fans.
But it's even more special because Ms Liu is an incredible young woman: smart, poised, confident. It'll be interesting to see what other worlds she'll go on to win!
“Kids do what you want with your hair.” Fuck yeah, love this irrepressible all-American kid.
Thanks Jessica for the piece, I probably would not have watched her performance if it wasn’t for reading this. For reasons, I can’t explain as eloquently, she broke the funk I was in after the recent ICE/CPB murders of Pretti and Good.
I completely understand as I had exactly the same response to her performance! I just couldn't put it in words as beautifully and as right on as you just did. Thank you for doing that! I actually got scared for her as I knew she is the embodiment of what the christian nationalists want to squash. I also was proud of the young skier whose name I can't remember who spoke out stating he doesn't represent what the govt is doing to our country. I worry for him as well but so impressed with the courage these young folks have demonstrated along with their incredible talents.
Me too! I was sobbing and rewatching and cheering her on and feeling so touched by her performance and her story. You fucking go girl!
In my years of watching figure skating, I often had the feeling the skater was on the brink of losing control and not in a good way. Liu’s performance was the most fluid, yet controlled, athletic feat I’ve ever seen, and I thought Simone Biles had set the record for flawless comeback in a display of athletic magic. Free is a great word to describe her mastery of such a demanding sport.
I love that her two fellow medalists were also clearly getting a kick out of her joy. Ecstasy is contagious.
❣️✨
https://youtu.be/CVmCfiFjoVE?si=lwjJTh6tFEXvoI9S
My favorite thing she said was in reflecting on her free skate, that she was glad/proud/happy that people got to "see what I built for myself". YES!
In a sport rife with abuse, of young women in particular, she is truly, truly revolutionary. It was the most joyful Olympic podium I remember experiencing in a number of years.
When you publish a book with all your best Substacks, include this one
I love all the things about figure skating and Alysa Liu - the girly, frilly, feminine outfits, the twirls, AND that she reclaimed herself and that she was going back into it only on her own terms. Now that is feminism the way it is supposed to be. And what a difference it made. Bravo.
She is amazing!
I hope Alysa Liu sees this piece. It’s a real tribute to her and her performance.
In addition to her own joy, she was also supportive and joyful for the other skaters competeting. Chloe Kim did the same with her competitors; joyful over their performances, too. Each time, it was genuine joy, almost palpable through the TV screen.
Thank you for your post, I felt the same watching Alysa Liu 💛
I am a long time figure skating fan.
The sport has always had "power women," even before that phrase was a thing.
If you look at the video of one of the Olympic after parties you'll see Dr Tenley Albright.
Ms Albright was the first American woman to win Olympic gold in figure skating. She accomplished this feat 70 years ago, in Italy, in 1956. Right after her victory she returned to her native Boston to study at Harvard, graduate from its medical school, and become a prominent surgeon. This was back in the old Feminine Mystique days so it was no easy task.
And this was all after surviving polio as a little girl.
Today, at 90, she's cheering on the Blade Angels.
It's been 24 years since the last American woman did this (Sarah Hughes, who also became a doctor), so it's a very special time for skating fans.
But it's even more special because Ms Liu is an incredible young woman: smart, poised, confident. It'll be interesting to see what other worlds she'll go on to win!
“Kids do what you want with your hair.” Fuck yeah, love this irrepressible all-American kid.
Thanks Jessica for the piece, I probably would not have watched her performance if it wasn’t for reading this. For reasons, I can’t explain as eloquently, she broke the funk I was in after the recent ICE/CPB murders of Pretti and Good.
I needed a dose of joy. And
yes it brought tears to my eyes.
I completely understand as I had exactly the same response to her performance! I just couldn't put it in words as beautifully and as right on as you just did. Thank you for doing that! I actually got scared for her as I knew she is the embodiment of what the christian nationalists want to squash. I also was proud of the young skier whose name I can't remember who spoke out stating he doesn't represent what the govt is doing to our country. I worry for him as well but so impressed with the courage these young folks have demonstrated along with their incredible talents.
Thanks for bringing up Alysa,Jessica.
I watched a clip; she was having so much FUN! HER way! What a performance.
The dour conservatives and right-wingers can mumble and mutter and abuse and control.
Regardless of all this moronic fascist friction the future is still female!
Yes! Yes!! You are right!!
I couldn’t understand why I was quickly wiping tears from my eyes until I read your take! Thanks Jessica ;)