Thousands of Bay Area residents gathered at Frank Ogawa Plaza in Oakland last Thursday to welcome home Olympic champion figure skater and Oakland native Alysa Liu. The event honored Liu’s achievement as a gold medalist, while also highlighting her East Bay roots. Students from Liu’s high school alma mater, Oakland School for the Arts, attended the rally to support the athlete.
Event attendees made special signs to congratulate Liu. (Laura Estrada)
The rally featured special appearances from musicians G-Eazy, J. Willis, and Kehlani, who each performed a short set of songs for attendees. Fans also enjoyed local food trucks, posed for photos at a booth, and received free posters and microfiber cloths celebrating Liu’s accomplishments.
Alysa Liu (left) expressing gratitude and appreciation for her supporters. (Laura Estrada)
Liu addressed the crowd, saying, “I’m so grateful to see everyone here supporting me. Oakland has always been home, and this celebration reminds me how lucky I am to have such an amazing community behind me.”
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee praised Liu, stating, “Alysa Liu is an inspiration for our youth and a shining example of what dedication and hard work can achieve. She makes Oakland proud every day.”
The rally’s atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride as community members gathered to cheer on their hometown Olympian. The rally also celebrated the influence of positive role models like Liu, who continue to inspire young people across the Bay Area and the world. Attendees left the event energized and proud of their local heroine, marking a memorable day for the entire community.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee (left) presenting Alysa Liu (center) with the Key to the City. (Laura Estrada)