American figure skating star Alysa Liu is celebrating a historic gold medal at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, but her performance isn’t the only thing making headlines. During the medal ceremony and post-event interviews, fans noticed a small silver shine on her teeth whenever she smiled.
At first, many viewers thought it was a dental gem or braces. However, the Olympic champion later confirmed that the shining detail is a frenulum piercing, commonly known as a “smiley piercing.” The unique accessory has quickly become one of the most talked-about style moments of the Games.
What Is Alysa Liu’s “Smiley Piercing”?
A smiley piercing is a small piece of jewelry placed through the thin tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums, called the frenulum. The jewelry usually stays hidden when the face is relaxed. It becomes visible only when a person smiles widely, creating a subtle but eye-catching effect.
Liu often wears a silver circular piece with pointed ends, which gives her smile a bold and edgy look. The style reflects her personal fashion identity, which mixes modern alternative and expressive elements.
Quick Details: Alysa Liu’s Viral Style
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of Piercing | Smiley (Frenulum piercing) |
| Location | Upper lip frenulum (inside the mouth) |
| Visibility | Appears only while smiling |
| Jewelry Style | Silver circular bar with pointed ends |
| Purpose | Personal expression and style identity |
A Symbol of Personal Expression
For Liu, the piercing is more than a fashion choice. It represents her journey of self-expression and confidence after returning to elite competition.
The 20-year-old skater has openly spoken about focusing on enjoying the sport and showing her true personality. Her overall look—including unique hair styling and bold fashion choices—reflects a new generation of athletes who combine performance with individuality.
Her teammates and fellow young skaters have also helped bring a more modern and expressive image to figure skating, making the sport feel fresh and relatable for younger fans.
Also see: 2026 Winter Olympics Women’s Singles Free Skate Results: Alysa Liu Wins Gold
Social Media Reaction
Following Liu’s gold-medal win, hashtags related to her smile and style quickly began trending. Many fans praised her for bringing both performance excellence and personality to the Olympic stage.
Young viewers, in particular, have called her look “confident,” “different,” and “inspiring,” showing how modern athletes are influencing fashion and self-expression beyond their sport.
Alysa Liu’s victory has already made her one of the standout stars of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Now, her confident personality and signature smile are adding to her growing influence.
Also see: 2026 Winter Olympics Ice Hockey Men’s Schedule
She is not only a gold medalist but also a symbol of a new generation of athletes—one that values authenticity, individuality, and the freedom to be themselves both on and off the ice.
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