What's Happening?
Alysa Liu, the U.S. figure skater who recently won the country's first Olympic gold medal in figure skating since 2002, performed a new routine at the 2026 Olympic Exhibition Gala in Milan. Her performance was set to the 'Stateside' remix by PinkPantheress featuring Zara Larsson. Liu's admiration for PinkPantheress is mutual, as the artist has expressed her inspiration from Liu's achievements. This performance follows Liu's gold-medal-winning routines set to Donna Summer and Laufey, showcasing her eclectic musical taste and personal style.
Why It's Important?
Alysa Liu's choice of music for her routines highlights the intersection of sports and popular culture, bringing contemporary music into the traditionally classical world of figure skating. This not only broadens
the appeal of figure skating to younger audiences but also showcases the influence of modern music on sports performances. Liu's success and her musical choices could inspire other athletes to incorporate more diverse and personal elements into their performances, potentially leading to a shift in how figure skating routines are choreographed and perceived.
