Alysa Liu, a California-born Chinese-American figure skater, has experienced a remarkable surge in her social media following, reaching 5.3 million Instagram followers just one week after winning a gold medal at the Winter Olympics. This victory marked a significant achievement, as it was the first individual Olympic gold in women's figure skating for Team USA in 24 years. Liu's performance captivated audiences, making her one of the most talked-about athletes of the Winter Games and forging a new connection with both American fans and the broader sports community.

Prior to the Olympics, Liu had a modest following of under 300,000, but her stellar performance at the games catapulted her into the limelight, establishing her as a fan favorite among Team USA supporters. Her surge in popularity is reflective of her skill and charm on the ice, and it’s indicative of how athletes can use social media to build their brand and influence rapidly, especially following significant achievements.

In contrast, Eileen Gu, another prominent figure in the Winter Olympics who represents Team China and has captured three gold medals in her own right, has been a significant sports figure in her own category. While both athletes have achieved remarkable success, Liu's immediate rise on Instagram emphasizes the shifting dynamics of fan engagement and celebrity in modern sports, marking her emergence as a new face of American figure skating on an international stage.