Alysa Liu's Olympic Smile: The Truth Behind the 'Teeth Gems'
Team USA figure skating sensation Alysa Liu has set the record straight about the sparkling silver detail in her smile, which many fans had mistaken for decorative gems or jewels. In reality, it is a frenulum piercing, commonly known as a "smiley" piercing, located in the tissue connecting her upper gum to her lip.
A DIY Approach to Piercing
Liu, who is currently competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics, revealed that she did not visit a professional for the piercing. Instead, she took matters into her own hands over two years ago. "I did it myself," she told NBC affiliate TMJ4 News. "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."
She explained her reasoning during a 2024 episode of the In The Loop podcast, stating that getting pierced at a shop is "really expensive for no reason." Liu added, "So I thought I would learn it myself, be a little DIY girl. Yeah, so I picked that up just because it's cheaper and I trust myself a lot to get it in the right spot placement wise for the jewelry."
Importantly, Liu emphasised that she uses proper equipment, not makeshift tools. "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 said.
Personal Style and Symbolism
Beyond her piercing, Liu expresses her individuality through her hair, which features distinct platinum blonde stripes against her dark brown locks. Each stripe holds special meaning, representing a year of her personal and professional growth. She began this tradition in 2023 and has continued it annually. "Every year, I add a stripe," she told 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, when she was just 16 years old. After retiring post-event, she announced her return to figure skating in 2024 and went on to win the 2025 World Championships, showcasing her resilience and talent.
At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Liu has already secured a gold medal in the team figure skating event. In the Women's Single Skating Short Program held on Tuesday, she performed strongly and currently sits in third place. This positions her well for the upcoming Free Skate event on Thursday, where she will have another opportunity to clinch an individual medal.
As Liu continues to captivate audiences with her skills on the ice and her unique personal style off it, her story highlights a blend of athletic dedication and self-expression that resonates with fans worldwide.
