Olympic champion Alysa Liu has seen a massive spike in her social media following after capturing gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The American figure skater’s rapid rise online now places her ahead of fellow winter sports star Eileen Gu in Instagram followers, marking a significant shift in global fan engagement.
Liu, 20, delivered a historic performance in women’s singles figure skating, securing the first U.S. Olympic gold in the event since 2002. Her poised routines and comeback story resonated with viewers across the country. In the days following her victory, her Instagram following surged from under 300,000 to approximately 5.3 million. That figure surpasses Gu’s reported 3.7 million followers.
The dramatic increase highlights how Olympic success can instantly elevate an athlete’s public profile. Liu’s performances generated widespread attention from sports fans and media outlets, fueling online growth at a pace rarely seen in figure skating. Analysts note that Olympic exposure, combined with strong national support, played a key role in her rapid digital expansion.
Comparisons between Liu and Gu have also intensified. Gu, born in the United States, competes internationally for China and has built a major endorsement portfolio and global brand. Liu’s gold medal win, however, has sparked renewed enthusiasm among American audiences eager to celebrate a homegrown champion representing Team USA on the world stage.
The surge in followers reflects more than popularity. It signals a broader cultural moment in which athletic achievement, national pride, and digital influence intersect. Liu’s breakout Olympic performance has firmly positioned her as one of the most prominent faces in winter sports, both on the ice and online.
