Alysa Liu was recently hit with a tough reality check with her newfound fame. The 20-year-old was already an icon in figure skating even before the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, but her popularity skyrocketed throughout and after the Winter Games.
Liu recently took to social media to share a concerning experience with some overzealous fans. The reigning World Figure Skating champion detailed how supporters invaded her personal space while she was at the airport. The worst part is that one fan went so far as to chase her to her car.
Liu experienced firsthand that her fame does have its downsides.
Liu won two gold medals in the Winter Olympics. She helped lead Team USA to victory in the team event. The Oakland, California native doubled her gold tally with a first-place finish in the individual competition. Liu became a household name across America after her historic stint in the Olympics.
Liu has remained down-to-earth amid her rise to the top. This is also despite the untoward fan experience at the airport. A fan recently bumped into Liu at a Target store in the Bay Area. He narrated his experience with the two-time Olympic gold medalist.
“She seems like a sweet person and super down to earth,” wrote fitness coach Camilo Riveros on Instagram. “She didn’t behave ‘too big’ to talk to me and treated everybody else with a ton of kindness.”
Riveros also said the scene “blew up” as soon as other shoppers recognized Liu. Nevertheless, the figure skating star remained respectful.
Liu’s public behavior has drawn significant attention from fans on social media.
“She shops at Target and not a Prada store!” a comment on Instagram read.
“she’s super down to earth too. Real Baydestrian not a celebrity,” said another.
“a great moment, but she’ll have to hide that hair for a couple months. public can be ROUGH,” wrote a supporter.
“Sorry for Alysa that she can’t just shop at Target in peace. Move to New York. New Yorkers don’t bother celebrities. We leave them alone!!!” declared a user.
“👏👏👏👏👏” posted another.
“That’s awesome!!” a reaction read.
Liu has captured the hearts of fans not only with her elite talent on the ice. She’s also drawn widespread admiration for how gracefully and genuinely she handles herself in public. This fan experience at a random Target store is a testament to how Liu has remained true to herself amid the fame.
Related: Olympics Reacts to What Alysa Liu Did Before Leaving Winter Games