Thousands of people gathered in downtown Oakland on March 12 to welcome home Olympic gold medalist and hometown figure skater Alysa Liu.
Liu won gold in women’s figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympic games. Liu is the first American women to win the single’s event in two decades.
“I love Oakland,” Liu said. “And I could not be more proud to represent Oakland out on the big stage at Olympics.”
Mayor Barbara Lee presented Liu with a key to the city at the celebration.
The rally drew an estimated 4,000 fans and a range of Oakland artists, musicians, and athletes.
Azucena Rasilla with The Oaklandside described the event as “hella Oakland.”
Sway Calloway emceed the event. Oakland artists, student groups, and dancers performed. Speakers highlighted Liu’s journey training at Oakland Ice Center, just blocks from City Hall, to become a global champion. Gold medalists boxer Andre Ward and figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi joined Liu on stage. Grammy-winning singer Kehlani closed out the event.
Liu held her medal and told the crowd, “This is for y’all!.”
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