OAKLAND, CA — Oakland city officials announced Tuesday plans to honor “hometown hero” Alysa Liu following her recent gold medal wins at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
“Alysa represents the heart, grit, resilience, and joy of Oakland,” city officials said in astatement Tuesday on social media. “Her achievement has filled our city with pride.”
Liu returned to the Bay Area this week following gold medal wins in the team and solo figure skating competitions. Upon her Bay Area return, Liu visited Trabocco in Alameda, where she was gifted a congratulations cake by the staff.
“What an incredible honor to have Oakland’s hero,” the restaurant posted online Tuesday, including photos posing with Liu.
It’s unclear exactly when Oakland will put on the community-wide celebration. City officials are coordinating with Liu’s team to determine a date for the celebration.
The 20-year-old Bay Area native won the hearts of her country and the internet following her winning performance on Thursday, where she skated to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park.” She was unapologetically herself throughout the Olympics and took many opportunities to shoutout Oakland.
Being able to do it my way on the big stage like this has been my dream, and I got to do it,” Liu told NC News following her win. “I’m just like over the moon. I’m the luckiest girl ever,”