Winning an Olympic gold medal is the pinnacle of any sporting career, but for Alysa Liuthe podium was just the stage to reveal his true passion. After a historic performance at the 2026 Winter Games, the skater not only took home the most precious metal. But he also won the hearts of the entire anime community. Far from the protocol responses, Liu took advantage of her post-victory moments to demonstrate that, behind her impeccable technique on the ice, beats the heart of a fan who finds inspiration in the most iconic stories of the genre.
A champion with a “Magical Girl” soul
The authority of Alysa Liu As a reference it is not limited to his triple jumps. Now she is a pop culture ambassador in elite sport. In an exclusive interview after her victory, the medalist made it clear that her next aesthetic goal involves one of the most important cult anime of the last decade: Puella Magi Madoka Magica.
When asked which animated character he would incorporate into his shows, Liu was blunt: «As for the dress? Madoka… I would wear her dress on the ice without hesitation.”. The choice is not minor. Madoka Kaname's design, with its pink tones and “Magical Girl” aesthetic, would fit perfectly with the elegance of figure skating. Although with the emotional and complex background that characterizes the work.
The “Pochita Effect” on the podium
From the experience Of those who followed the coverage minute by minute, the most viral moment did not occur during their routine, but in the subsequent celebrations. Alysa Liu was caught proudly holding a stuffed animal Pochitathe adorable (and deadly) chainsaw demon from Chainsaw Man.
“Seeing an Olympic champion with a Pochita under her arm is the crossover that anime culture needed to confirm that interest in these works has transcended any generational and professional barrier.”
This appearance was not an accident. The presence of the orange stuffed animal next to the gold medal symbolizes a new era of athletes who are not afraid to show their “geek” hobbies. Breaking the stigma of the one-dimensional athlete. Liu showed that you can be the best in the world in a physical discipline and, at the same time, keep up with Tatsuki Fujimoto's latest arc.
The perfect cross between sports and pop culture
To guarantee the reliability of this phenomenon, just look at the reaction on social networks. The mention of Madoka Magica and the presence of Chainsaw Man generated a wave of massive support from anime fans, who already see Liu as one of their own.
The community is already creating “fan-arts” of what Madoka's suit would look like adapted for an official ISU (International Skating Union) competition. Liu represents a generation of athletes using their platform to normalize the love of anime, bringing it to audiences who may have never heard of incubator contracts or chainsaw demons.
The most authentic gold of the Games
Alysa Liu He not only won for his technical skill, but for his authenticity. By mentioning Madoka and hugging Pochita, he humanized the figure of the unattainable Olympic champion.
This is the kind of representation that anime needs in mainstream media. This isn't a forced marketing campaign, but rather a 20-year-old honestly sharing what she loves. Imagining an Olympic routine with Yuki Kajiura's soundtrack and Madoka's dress is something that could elevate figure skating to a narrative level never seen before. Alysa Liu has just opened a door that will be difficult to close: that of the Olympic Games with a flavor of shonen and mahou shojo.
Do you think the skating committee would allow a dress as elaborate as Madoka's in an official competition, or will Alysa have to settle for a simplified version to maintain aerodynamics? We want to read your opinion in the comments!
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