In a heartwarming yet humble encounter this week, actor Daniel Radcliffe crossed paths with Olympic hero Alysa Liu backstage at the Today show in New York City, but he firmly refused to try on one of her hard-earned gold medals.
A Historic Olympic Triumph
Alysa Liu, the 20-year-old figure skating sensation, made history last month at the Milan-Cortina Games by capturing two gold medals. Her victory in the singles event marked the first time an American woman had won that title in 24 years, cementing her status as a national sports icon.
A Backstage Meeting of Stars
Three weeks after her remarkable achievement, Liu was invited to appear on Monday's edition of the Today show. There, she unexpectedly bumped into Radcliffe, who was also featuring on the program. The Harry Potter star was seen embracing Liu in a genuine moment of celebration before they paused for a quick photograph.
In a gesture of generosity, Liu offered Radcliffe the chance to try on one of her prestigious medals. However, the actor opted to simply hold it instead, explaining his decision with poignant sincerity.
"It Feels Like Stolen Valor"
"No I can't wear it, I'll hold it," Radcliffe told her. "Wearing it feels like stolen valor." He expressed immense admiration for Liu’s accomplishment but declined the offer, stating, "I can’t do it. It’s too much. Even holding it feels like I’m trespassing on a decade of hard work."
Radcliffe went on to tell the figure skater that her gold medal-winning performance in Milan was "the most joyful thing I've watched," highlighting the emotional impact of her achievement on viewers worldwide.
Liu's Journey to Olympic Glory
Liu's path to Olympic success was not without its challenges. She briefly retired from figure skating in 2022 before making a triumphant return years later, going on to win the 2025 World Championship. Her phenomenal free skate in Milan ended America's 24-year wait for gold in the women's singles event, while she also helped Team USA secure victory in the team competition.
Processing the "Outpouring of Love"
When asked on the Today show if she's had enough time to process her achievements, Liu revealed she has received an "outpouring of love" since the Games concluded. "I've been getting so much more love, too, it's just... continuing," she explained. "So I don't know, it's a lot. But I'm really grateful."
Continuing the Victory Tour
Following her appearance on Today, Liu made another high-profile stop on Tuesday's edition of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. In a playful segment, the California-born skater offered Fallon a wig styled after her famous striped hair. The show also featured members of the victorious men's and women's hockey teams, creating a celebratory atmosphere for American sports champions.
This encounter between Radcliffe and Liu underscores the profound respect athletes' achievements command, even among Hollywood stars, and highlights Liu's graciousness in sharing her moment of glory with others.
