In a moment that has electrified the figure skating community and silenced critics across the globe, U.S. figure skating icon Michelle Kwan has broken her characteristic silence to deliver a powerful defense of newly crowned Olympic champion Alysa Liu. Following Liu’s triumphant gold medal win in the women’s singles event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the 20-year-old American faced an unexpected wave of online criticism and mockery—despite delivering one of the most joyful and technically masterful performances in recent memory.

Liu, who entered the competition somewhat underestimated after placing third in the short program, unleashed an explosive free skate to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park,” landing seven clean triple jumps and scoring a season-best 150.20 in the long program for a total of 226.79 points. This vaulted her past Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto (silver) and Ami Nakai (bronze), marking the first U.S. women’s individual Olympic figure skating gold in 24 years—since Sarah Hughes in 2002—and ending a long drought for American women in the discipline.

Her celebration was pure, unfiltered exuberance. As she skated off the ice at Milano Ice Skating Arena, Liu shouted into the camera, “That’s what I’m f***ing talking about!”—a raw expression of relief, pride, and disbelief that NBC aired live but censored in some replays. The moment captured her authenticity: a skater who had stepped away from the sport due to burnout, pursued hiking and skiing, and returned on her own terms with a refreshed mindset. Commentators like Tara Lipinski praised her as “loose and completely herself,” noting how she competed without the crushing weight of expectation.

Yet, not everyone celebrated. Social media erupted with harsh commentary questioning her “overly exuberant” celebration, labeling it unladylike or inappropriate for the sport’s traditional image. Some mocked her language, others downplayed her achievement by pointing to under-rotation debates or suggesting the field was weak. The backlash intensified online, with detractors questioning whether her joy crossed into arrogance—despite Liu’s history of resilience, including overcoming a bizarre spying incident involving her father, a Chinese dissident.

Enter Michelle Kwan, the legendary five-time World champion and two-time Olympic medalist (silver in 1998, bronze in 2002) who never won individual Olympic gold but remains one of the most revered figures in the sport for her grace, consistency, and enduring legacy. Kwan, who has long been a quiet supporter of rising talents (she even wrote about Liu for Time Magazine’s 100 Next list in 2019), chose this moment to speak out.

In a widely shared social media post congratulating Liu on her double gold (including the team event), Kwan wrote eight powerful words that cut through the noise: “I want to be you when I grow up!!”

Accompanied by laughing emojis, gold medals, American flags, and “Woohoooo, Go CHAMP!”, the message was both playful and profound. It wasn’t a formal defense—it was something stronger: an endorsement from the “queen of figure skating” that instantly reframed the narrative. Fans interpreted it as a direct clapback to the critics, celebrating Liu’s authenticity, confidence, and unbreakable spirit.

The post exploded across platforms. The figure skating world fell silent in awe as likes, shares, and reposts poured in. Comment sections filled with reactions like “From one GOAT to the next,” “Michelle just ended the haters,” and “This is the support Alysa deserved.” Even casual Olympics viewers tuned in, recognizing the generational torch-passing: Kwan, who inspired Liu’s father to start her in skating after watching her on TV, now publicly idolizing the new champion.

Liu’s journey to this pinnacle has been anything but conventional. She became the youngest U.S. champion at 13, defended her title, then walked away in 2022 citing burnout and a desire for normalcy. Her hiatus included adventures like trekking in the Himalayas, which reignited her love for movement. When she returned, it was on her terms—no pressure from coaches or family, full control over her programs, music, and costumes. That freedom translated to the ice in Milan: relaxed, joyful skating that felt revolutionary in a sport often criticized for rigidity.

Her victory carries deep symbolism. As the first American woman to claim Olympic gold in 24 years, Liu represents a new era—diverse, mentally healthy, and unapologetically expressive. Comparisons even surfaced with other athletes, but the focus remained on her story: overcoming doubt, reclaiming joy, and proving that passion trumps perfectionism.

Kwan’s intervention amplified this message. By saying “I want to be you when I grow up,” she highlighted Liu’s fearless authenticity as aspirational. In a sport where athletes face immense scrutiny over every jump, expression, and word, Kwan reminded everyone that true greatness includes vulnerability and celebration.

The Olympic world has indeed fallen silent—not out of awkwardness, but reverence. The criticism has quieted as conversations shift to inspiration, legacy, and the power of supportive icons. Liu, now a double gold medalist, posted her medals with a simple “These are for yall,” embracing the love pouring in.

As the Milano Cortina Games continue, Alysa Liu stands as a beacon for young skaters: Be bold, be yourself, and let your joy shine. And when the queen herself crowns you, the doubters fade away.

Michelle Kwan’s eight words didn’t just defend Alysa Liu—they elevated her, reminding the world why figure skating captivates hearts: it’s about artistry, resilience, and unbreakable spirit.

Congratulations to Alysa Liu, the new face of American figure skating. And thank you, Michelle Kwan, for speaking up when it mattered most.