The Truth Behind Alysa Liu's Sparkling Olympic Smile
Team USA figure skating sensation Alysa Liu has captivated audiences at the 2026 Winter Olympics not just with her performances on the ice, but with a distinctive dental detail that has sparked curiosity. The shimmering accents on her front teeth, often mistaken for decorative gems, are actually part of a personal piercing choice.
A Self-Made 'Smiley' Piercing
Whenever Liu graces the podium or the rink with her smile, she displays a prominent frenulum piercing, commonly referred to as a "smiley" piercing. This adornment is situated in the delicate tissue connecting the upper gum to the lip. Remarkably, the 20-year-old Olympian did not visit a professional piercer for this modification.
"I did it myself," Liu disclosed to NBC affiliate TMJ4 News, regarding the piercing she has maintained for over two years. "I had my sister hold up my lip, and I was looking in the mirror, and I had my piercing needle, and yeah, just put it through."
During a 2024 episode of the In The Loop podcast, Liu expressed confidence in her self-piercing abilities, describing it as "another hobby" she adopted. She elaborated on her motivation, stating, "Getting pierced at a shop is really expensive for no reason. So I thought I would learn it myself, be a little DIY girl."
Commitment to Safe DIY Practices
Liu emphasized her commitment to safety in her piercing endeavors. "I bought all the supplies I would need, like piercing needles. I don't do it with like safety pins or the piercing gun. I'm not, I don't do that," she assured. Her trust in her own precision is paramount, as she aims for optimal placement for the jewelry.
Beyond her piercing, Liu's personal style is further expressed through her hair. Her dark brown locks feature distinct platinum blonde stripes, each representing a year of her personal and professional growth. She initiated this trend in 2023 and has continued it annually.
"Every year, I add a stripe," Liu explained to NBC in January. "It's gonna be like this for a year, then—next wintertime, end of December—I do another ring."
Olympic Journey and Current Standing
Liu made her Olympic debut at the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, China, at the age of 16. After retiring post-event, she announced a comeback in 2024 and subsequently clinched the 2025 World Championships title.
At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Liu has already secured a gold medal in the team figure skating event. Following her performance in Tuesday's Women's Single Skating Short Program, she currently holds third place. This positioning sets the stage for Thursday's Free Skate event, where she will have another opportunity to vie for an individual medal.
As Liu prepares for her next Olympic challenge, her unique self-expression through DIY piercings and symbolic hairstyles continues to highlight her individuality both on and off the ice.
