Credit: TMJ4 News
On Olympic ice, most people don’t notice Alysa Liu’s teeth right away. Sharp, self-assured jumps that land with a snap that reverberates subtly throughout the arena are the highlight. However, when cameras pan in during the kiss-and-cry or medal ceremony in Milan’s high-definition broadcasts, her smile appears as a flash of silver. And all of a sudden, that little detail turns into a headline.
They were viewed as tooth gems. Perhaps braces. A decorative object adhered to enamel. They were mistaken. The frenulum piercing, also known as a “smiley” piercing, is what gives it its shine. It is inserted into the thin strip of tissue that runs from the upper lip to the gums. It remains concealed until she smiles. She also smiles a lot.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Alysa Liu |
| Sport | Figure Skating (Women’s Singles) |
| Nationality | United States |
| Olympic Appearance | 2022 Beijing, 2026 Milan-Cortina |
| 2026 Achievement | Olympic Gold Medalist (Team Event; Women’s Singles Medalist) |
| Notable Style | “Halo” striped hair, frenulum (“smiley”) piercing |
| Age (2026) | 20 |
| Official Reference | https://olympics.com/en/athletes/alysa-liu |
It almost has a playful quality to it. Liu’s tiny flash of metal feels like a wink in a sport that has long been associated with polished perfection—slick buns, dresses adorned with crystals, and meticulously manicured public personas. That might be a contributing factor in the allure. The piercing doesn’t make a noise. It causes no disturbance. It simply shows up when she decides to.
She also pierced it herself, which is another factor.
Using the appropriate piercing needles and supplies, Liu performed the procedure at home with her sister’s assistance, according to interviews conducted during the 2026 Winter Olympics. She started getting piercings as a hobby and has referred to herself as a “little DIY girl.” Her tone, which is informal and almost humorous, conveys that she views the story as more pragmatic than rebellious. She described the pain as “zero out of ten.”
It’s difficult to ignore how that particular detail changes the plot. gold medalist at the Olympics. Champion of the world. Additionally, there was a sister holding her lip up while carefully aligning a needle in front of a bathroom mirror. It’s a strangely grounding contrast.
The wider response has been illuminating and predictable. Close-up screenshots, discussion threads, and speculative posts flooded social media. Some commended her uniqueness. Some questioned the choice, arguing that it was needless or dangerous. It seems like a generational tension. It appears that Gen Z athletes are less concerned with following a certain aesthetic.
Molds have never really piqued Liu’s interest.
The visual narrative is enhanced by her striped “halo” hair, which consists of horizontal blond rings encircling her darker base. She has explained that each ring represents a year. A living timeline of sorts. It produces an intentional yet understated look when paired with the piercing. Self-assured, at ease, and perhaps even a little amused by the attention.
When I watched her skate in Milan, I noticed that her shoulders were more relaxed than they had been in previous competitions. Following the 2022 Olympics, she took a brief hiatus from competitive skating before making a comeback on her own terms. That change is important. She seems to be competing more for herself than for approval.
Even though the piercing is tiny, it seems to reflect that idea.
The image of figure skating has long been a source of contention. While more daring personal branding has been adopted by sports like tennis and gymnastics, skating has frequently adhered to tradition, with its classical music, conservative fashion, and strict standards. The ice is melting, though. These days, athletes show up with tattoos, unusual outfits, and frank personalities.
Whether this change will ultimately redefine the sport’s aesthetic is still up in the air. Technical aspects, not piercings, are scored by judges. However, it is through these brief bursts of individuality that public perception changes. Younger audiences, broadcasters, and sponsors appear to take notice.
A subtle cultural layer is also present. Once a niche practice, body modification is now common among younger people. Nose rings, eyebrow piercings, and tooth gems are no longer considered fringe fashion. Within that continuum, Liu’s smiley piercing rests peacefully. It doesn’t yell. It sparkles.
The silver briefly caught the light as she held her bouquet and looked out at the audience while standing in the arena during the medal ceremony. It was not distracting. Her performance was not characterized by it. It did, however, add texture. A reminder that a 20-year-old navigating identity, just like everyone else,e is hidden beneath the triple jumps and the choreography.
Audiences seem to yearn for that authenticity. The edges—the minor flaws, the decisions that seem personal—rather than the meticulously crafted persona. As this develops, it becomes evident that Liu’s appeal extends beyond his technical prowess.
about her skating. of her fashion sense. Of her smile.
It hardly matters if the piercing fades over time or becomes a permanent signature. Olympic cycles are short, and trends are shorter still. But Alysa Liu’s teeth, or more specifically, the gleam between them, convey a subtle yet significant message in a sport that previously seemed intent on maintaining a single image.
A champion of a new kind. One who cleanly lands her jumps and then, without regret and completely herself, flashes a silver grin.