Alysa Liu’s Olympic journey and unique style have the world buzzing and the Bay Area beaming with pride.
As Alysa Liu won her Olympic gold medal, her vibe was joyous and authentic – and that’s how Oakland School for the Arts Teacher Laurice Guerin remembers her when she had her in her sixth-grade classroom.
“She smiled a lot, just like now. She was very composed and hardworking,” Guerin said.
Guerin said she was so proud to see one of her former students make it to the winner’s podium.
“I was so excited watching Alysa skate, and her joy is just so infectious,” Guerin said. “And it was just really beautiful to see her.”
For current OSA students, Liu’s win is also resonating.
Mariah Rico, an Oakland native and student at OSA, said she knows her hometown often has a tough reputation. When she saw Liu win the gold and give a shoutout to the Bay Area Thursday, Rico said that made her proud to be a fellow Bay Area native.
“So, all of those people who do come from the Bay Area and are just awesome people, especially her, they’re just great representations of what Oakland really is,” Rico said.
It’s not exactly clear when Liu will be returning to the Bay Area from Italy, but according to the Oakland Mayor’s Office, they are planning some kind of celebration or special recognition.
One of Oakland’s iconic small businesses, Fenton’s Creamery, is already planning to welcome her with open arms and lots of ice cream.
Fentons will give her free ice cream for life.
Fentons is the second oldest creamery in the country and was featured in the movie UP.
When Alysa Liu returns to the Bay Area, she will have two gold medals: her historic women’s individual gold and team gold.