How much interest can Alysa Liu revive in figure skating in the US?

[yfan1]

You have FAR too much faith in the American media to believe that they are capable of influencing America's sporting interests. Or on any topic at all, really.

People in the 2020s are surrounded by all sorts of media all the time, and a lot of the time what they see even online is influenced by who is throwing money at those social media posts to begin.

Alysa herself has been blowing up among various mass media as well as social media oultets. That's got her noticed by many people who wouldn't normally follow her or figure skating. So what makes you think skating can't be a part of that phenomenon if some outlet out there took interest in it?

 

[Mathman]

To me, marketing is an uncertain art. It is two-pronged, supply and demand.

(a) First find out find out what people want and then produce it and offer it for sale. Versus (b) First come up with a product, then convince people that they want it.

Figure skating? Does the American public still want it? Can they be convinced that they do even when they don't? I think the answer is, "all of the above," and that's what makes the"dismal science" of economics so interesting.

In the mean time, I for one am feeling rejuvenated by seeing Alysa walking around Paris with her designer bag and her two-toned hairdo and by looking at videos of a cartoon cat (Poco) twirling around the ice as Alysa Liu.

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

I don't know if this has been shared yet re a woman on IG who got banned simply because her real name is Alysa Liu, and META assumed she's an imposter. Good grief!

Woman named Alysa Liu has Instagram suspended for sharing name with superstar skater

The 'other' Alysa Liu began getting messages intended for the superstar Olympic skater that became annoying, but worse, Meta kicked the young tech worker off Instagram as a possible imposter.

abc7news.com

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

The shackles are off. Can you imagine Peggy Fleming dying her hair in stripes before the Olympics? Now you can be yourself.

Hmm, Peggy Fleming would never. Much less would Peggy sport a nose ring. But then, she grew up in a different era, where bouffants were in style, not two-toned hair or odd hair coloring and skin-piercing. Peggy's mother sewed all her costumes. The light green-colored fs costume with long sleeves that Peggy wore in 1968 set off a trend. In Michelle Kwan's era, she influenced the trend for sleeveless costumes, among other Kwan-related impacts in the sport and in the larger culture.

Historically, skaters have been taught to be seen and not heard. They are mostly indoctrinated to conform and to not voice their opinions. So yes, it's very refreshing to see athletes learning, growing, and speaking out more. There's a tendency to stay quiet or to be very diplomatic so as not to offend officials who have control over careers via the judging system.

 

[Mathman]

I don't know if this has been shared yet re a woman on IG who got banned simply because her real name is Alysa Liu, and META assumed she's an imposter. Good grief!

In the Detroit Area, some guy named Bill negotiated with Home Depot (the home improvement chain) in 2000 to set up a hot dog stand in the local parking lot. He decided to call it "Franks Anatra"(after considering the name Frank and Stein). Frank Sinatra's estate sued and they had to shut it down.

I am happy to report that the franchise has recently been reopened, in several Home Depot locations, under the new name, Franks Again (or Franks for the Memories).

 

[TontoK]

Historically, skaters have been taught to be seen and not heard. They are mostly indoctrinated to conform and to not voice their opinions. So yes, it's very refreshing to see athletes learning, growing, and speaking out more. There's a tendency to stay quiet or to be very diplomatic so as not to offend officials who have control over careers via the judging system.

See, this is what I like. Athletes being themselves... and having to navigate the impact of being themselves, just as we all do. Take Amber Glenn, for example. She's made some political statements lately. I have no problem with her doing so; it's her right as an American. Maybe that gets her more opportunities, and maybe it gets her fewer. Those are her concerns, not mine. But at least she's being authentic. I can appreciate that.

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

See, this is what I like. Athletes being themselves... and having to navigate the impact of being themselves, just as we all do. Take Amber Glenn, for example. She's made some political statements lately. I have no problem with her doing so; it's her right as an American. Maybe that gets her more opportunities, and maybe it gets her fewer. Those are her concerns, not mine. But at least she's being authentic. I can appreciate that.

It certainly was a boon for Adam Rippon in 2018 to speak out openly and honestly when he was being challenged/ picked on in the lead-up to the Olympics. We all knew and loved Adam for his talent and his wit. Then, the wider world got to know him and fell in love with him, including Hollywood stars like Reese Witherspoon. ️

 

[Anna K.]

Meanwhile, Alysa in her Teen Vogue interview (I posted the link in her fanfest thread) was asked which FS program inspires her. She mentioned that she loved Wakaba Higuchi's Skyfall free skate (from 2017 - ?) and then she said Hana Yoshida's Kill Bill short program was her favorite at the moment and that she recommended it for watching even to friends who didn't know a thing about skating.

The next day, I look up Hana's program and, guess what, the first thing I see in the comment section is: "been brought here by Alysa Liu's Teen Vogue interview" and "she's right, this program is fire"

I'm guessing that's how influencing works these days.

 

[el henry]

Alysa bringing attention to other skaters, American or not, can only be a good thing. I hope no one (not here and not saying this about anyone here) gatekeeps about the way random people encounter good skating, as long as they encounter it.

I think there might be a disconnect in the way that the word promotion (or hype, which seems a more judgmental word to me) is used, at least as I am following the thread. For me, there are three distinct segments:

The role of media and social media: I think I mentioned this earlier, Most people in the US tune out what they don't want to hear. Maybe that's cultural, maybe that's a results of hearing so much of it, but media cannot make a star absent any independent interest or story.

Pre-Game promotions: absolutely designed to stir up interest in a particular skater. Absolutely the US media and USFS was promoting Ilia before the Games, as well they ought, any other country with a three time Worlds champion would have promoted them too. Promotion about Alysa specifically was limited, and combined with the other US women.

Post Game promotions: Media did not create Alysa, Alysa created Alysa. Media and social media now wants on the train They can highlight or reflect what is happening, try to take advantage, but not create it.

I hope Alysa talks about more skaters.

 

[drivingmissdaisy]

Alysa herself has been blowing up among various mass media as well as social media oultets. That's got her noticed by many people who wouldn't normally follow her or figure skating. So what makes you think skating can't be a part of that phenomenon if some outlet out there took interest in it?

If she becomes more of a celebrity than an athlete, I could see her management team encouraging her to wind down her career to keep her winning aura front and center. There's a lot of downside for the Alysa brand if she competes and doesn't perform as well, but if skating doesn't become more popular (with help from her participation) then that's also not good for her brand. It's a dilemma and it will be interesting to see how things unfold in the next year.

 

[noskates]

If I'm not mistaken, question was asked and answered. Alysa has said she'll be around in 2030. Now whether or not that will happen - who knows. But she hasn't indicated in ANY of her myriad of interviews that she's not planning on continuing. She wisely bowed out of Worlds because she hasn't had more than a few minutes to herself since the Olympics. She and her team are smart enough to know that you can't have sporadic practice for many weeks and not lose your edge. And has been mentioned, many OGMs before her have also skipped Worlds in the same year. It has no hidden message other than she's tired and has no time.
l

 

[Anna K.]

Alysa bringing attention to other skaters, American or not, can only be a good thing.

Shall it mean that Alysa getting a trendy bag is also a good thing?
That fashion show appearance gave her a couple hundred thousand new followers who most likely didn't have interest in figure skating before. But what if some of them clicked the Teen Vogue interview because of Alysa's style and then googled the skating programs that Alysa's recommended because those must be stylish too (and they are btw)?

 

[yfan1]

Shall it mean that Alysa getting a trendy bag is also a good thing?

For the handbag, sure.

You don't usually say 'this idol got sponsored by Louis Vuitton! How amazing for singing and dancing! Maybe this got them to watch the idol's performances and they then went on to become fans of that idol, and from there fans of other idols'

Not in my experience, at least. Fashion brands are about looks, sex appeal, sales. Not talent of the model or the ambassador in question. Like heck, the way people go on about fashion brands (and I do know someone who knows their stuff) they're barely even about being artistic outlets anymore.

 

[el henry]

Shall it mean that Alysa getting a trendy bag is also a good thing?
That fashion show appearance gave her a couple hundred thousand new followers who most likely didn't have interest in figure skating before. But what if some of them clicked the Teen Vogue interview because of Alysa's style and then googled the skating programs that Alysa's recommended because those must be stylish too (and they are btw)?

Absolutely, especially if she says I love this bag and I also love this routine by such and such a skater.

Alysa doing what is best for Alysa is a no-brainer. Having that fancy bag and encouraging fancy bag aficionados to watch skating: hey, it could happen. A girl can hope.

 

[Mathman]

You don't usually say 'this idol got sponsored by Louis Vuitton! How amazing for singing and dancing!

Here's why I think it could be good thing. Do igure skaters get Louis Vuitton sponsorships? I would say, not so much. Just to make sure I Googled, "Does any figure skater own a Louis Vuitton bag?" Google AI overview stepped up with: "Yes, Two-time Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu made her Paris Fashion Week debut at the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2026 show on March 10..." and then went on about her brown denim jacket, wide-leg jeans and clunky platform shoes.

Well, you and I know that the language "two-time Olympic gold medalist" needs nuance, but it is not totally beyond possibility that a few people will say, "now that's what I'm talking about!" and check out some linked skating videos. I don't know. Stranger things have happened.

 

[Mathman]

....promotion (or hype, which seems a more judgmental word to me)

You made me look it up. It seems to be related tnot only to o hyperbolic, etc., meaning excessive, but also to 1920s underworld slang for "to cheat or swindle." In other words, you make outrageous promises but don't deliver.

"Eat at Joe's. Best cup of coffee in town."

Hey Joe, what are you pulling? This coffee is only average.

 

[moonvine]

What, did you just say the "r" word? Bradie?! Noooooo

(and I don't care if this is off topic)

She stated in that Yahoo piece “no ‘r’ word.”

 

[rabidline]

The next day, I look up Hana's program and, guess what, the first thing I see in the comment section is: "been brought here by Alysa Liu's Teen Vogue interview" and "she's right, this program is fire"

That's cool. I suppose the difference with Alysa is while she does have a complex and painful relationship with skating, especially when she was younger, and yet she is excited about her fellow competitors and the work they put into their skates and programs. She does not look down on them. My heart swelled a bit when she said to Teen Vogue she wanted to go to Worlds because it would be the last competition for many skaters and she wanted to be there. Maybe it won't be instant influence, but her having such vocal affection to fellow skaters make me happy.

Of course every skater is different but I think with past champions who are very popular, they have been all very worn down by the sport and are very guarded when they spoke of it. Which is of course true to their experience and it is their right to be so.

But Alysa has both: she has the caution and weariness, but she also is able to vocalize what made her come back and what makes her look forward to each skate. That's already a significant difference, especially in the ears of casuals. We may all be too jaded to appreciate it because of what the sport has become, but I always appreciate a champion who value their competitors' hard work and output.

And she's an English speaker, which means she is less dependent on fan translators to shape her words. Of course her words are picked apart, but there are definitely less sheeps trusting one translator's interpretation of things.

 

[Anna K.]

She stated in that Yahoo piece “no ‘r’ word.”

Thanks! I could not open that link for some weird reason.
Done with off topic here (with a relieved sigh).

 

[Anna K.]

Absolutely, especially if she says I love this bag and I also love this routine by such and such a skater.

Alysa doing what is best for Alysa is a no-brainer. Having that fancy bag and encouraging fancy bag aficionados to watch skating: hey, it could happen. A girl can hope.

Fancy handbag aficionados are a separate class
We certainly needed an undercover agent who could earn their trust.

On a more serious note, all sports in theory are meant for all ages and for every social status but in practice the demographics vary. Especially the aficionado segment tends to belong to a specific demographic group. How would you describe the demographics of figure skating target audience in the U.S.?