The 20-year old Oaklander took home two gold medals at Milan Cortina’s Winter Olympics last month. She's the first woman figure skater to take home the gold for the US in 24 years. She told KALW it’s nice to be back in Oakland, but...
"Every time I’m out someone recognizes me. So, my daily routine is a little bit different. I’ve been trying to cover my hair, but people know me by my face too, so that's weird. I'm like, you're only supposed to know me by my hair, so..."
Tickets for the event were free to reserve, but sold out immediately. The rally featured performances from recent Grammy award winning artist, Kehlani, as well as current American Idol contestant, Abayomi Lewis.
"She's such an amazing inspiration for all of us, and especially myself. I’m just like, mind blown," Lewis says.
Lewis is a sophomore at Oakland School for the Arts. Both Liu and Kehlani attended the nearby school.
"People don't know Oakland be Hyphy. We all the Bay Area. Okay. We got the pop! We got the life, okay!" Lewis continues.
Mayor Barbara Lee presented Liu with a key to the city. Former gold medal figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi was also there to congratulate the skater.
"So Alysa, thank you for representing Team USA, the East Bay, our AAPI community, and the skating community with such positivity, confidence, and grace," says Yamaguchi.
Now that Liu’s gotten to share her programs on the world’s biggest stage, she says she’s looking forward to being back home, and preparing for next season.
Jordan Karnes is the Chair for the Literary Arts Department at Oakland School for the Arts and an Academy Fellow.
