Alysa Liu’s Olympic Gold and Viral “Smiley” Piercing Spark Online Buzz and Dental Warnings
During the 2026 Winter Olympics, Team USA figure skater Alysa Liu captured global attention not only for her historic performance on the ice but also for an unexpected detail that quickly went viral. While her gold medal victory solidified her place in Olympic history, it was a small piece of jewelry visible when she smiled that ignited widespread online discussion.
The 20-year-old athlete delivered a standout showing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, earning gold in the women’s singles event on February 19. Earlier in the competition, she had already contributed to Team USA’s success by helping secure a team gold medal on February 8.
Her remarkable achievements marked a significant milestone for American figure skating, but the post-performance spotlight expanded beyond scores and medals, shifting toward her distinctive appearance during the medal ceremony.
Historic Victory for Team USA Figure Skating
Alysa Liu’s gold medal in the women’s singles event represented a landmark moment for the United States. With her victory, she became the first American in nearly 24 years to win an individual Olympic gold medal in figure skating.
Her win also ended a long medal drought for Team USA in the discipline, as the nation had not seen a medalist in the women’s singles event since 2006. This achievement reinforced Liu’s status as one of the most accomplished athletes of the Games.
Her performance in the free skate was particularly decisive. Scoring 150.20 in the segment, she brought her total overall score to 226.79, securing a clear path to the top of the podium.
Observers widely praised her technical precision, composure, and consistency throughout the competition, all of which contributed to her historic Olympic triumph.
A Comeback After Retirement and Burnout
Adding to the significance of her victory was the path she took to reach the Olympic stage once again. Liu had stepped away from competitive skating in 2022 following the Beijing Winter Olympics, citing burnout after years of intense training and competition.
Her retirement lasted nearly two years before she returned to the sport in 2023, a decision that surprised many within the figure skating community.
Her successful comeback at the 2026 Winter Olympics highlighted not only her athletic talent but also her resilience and dedication. Returning to elite competition after a lengthy break and then winning Olympic gold underscored the strength of her journey.
This narrative of perseverance became a central part of her story during the Games, resonating strongly with fans and commentators alike.
The Viral Detail That Captured Global Attention
While Liu’s performances deserved widespread recognition, a surprising visual detail during her celebration quickly went viral across social media platforms.
As cameras zoomed in during the medal ceremony in Milan, viewers noticed a small ornament on her upper lip. The jewelry appeared as two silver spikes positioned above her teeth, visible when she smiled.
The accessory was later identified as a “smiley” piercing, a type of oral piercing placed through the thin tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum. This type of piercing is typically only noticeable during broad facial expressions such as smiling.
The combination of a historic athletic moment and a distinctive personal style choice fueled online curiosity and discussion, with fans seeking more information about the unusual piercing.
Liu’s Explanation of the Smiley Piercing
In an interview conducted in January with NBC’s TMJ4 News, Liu addressed the origin of the piercing and revealed that she had done it herself more than two years earlier.
She explained that the process involved assistance from her sister and described the moment candidly, noting that she used a piercing needle while her sister helped hold up her lip.
According to Liu, the piercing had been part of her appearance long before the 2026 Winter Olympics, though it only gained widespread attention once it became visible during her medal ceremony celebrations.
Her openness about the piercing further fueled online engagement, as fans reacted to both her honesty and her unconventional personal choice.
Dentists Issue Warnings About Oral Piercings
Following the surge of interest, dental professionals began cautioning the public against attempting similar piercings, especially at home. Experts emphasized that oral piercings carry unique risks due to the high concentration of bacteria in the mouth.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has consistently warned that mouth piercings can lead to complications such as infection and swelling. These risks are heightened because the oral environment naturally contains millions of bacteria.
According to guidance published by MouthHealthy in partnership with the ADA, swelling from oral piercings can become severe enough to affect breathing in extreme cases. There is also a risk of choking if jewelry breaks or becomes dislodged inside the mouth.
Dental experts also note that repeated contact between oral jewelry and teeth may cause enamel damage or even cracked teeth over time.
Potential Health Risks Highlighted by Experts
Beyond immediate infection risks, dentists point to several other potential complications associated with oral piercings. These include bleeding, scarring, unusual discharge, and irritation of the gums and surrounding tissue.
Long-term issues can involve gum damage or embedded jewelry that may later require surgical removal. The ADA also warns that consistent clicking or friction from oral jewelry can gradually weaken dental structures.
| Risk Category | Possible Complication |
| Infection | Swelling and bacterial contamination |
| Dental Damage | Cracked teeth or enamel wear |
| Airway Concerns | Severe swelling or choking hazards |
| Gum Health | Irritation, scarring, or tissue damage |
Dental professionals emphasize that oral piercings require ongoing care and should never be performed impulsively or without proper medical guidance.
Guidance From the American Dental Association
The ADA advises individuals considering oral piercings to consult dental professionals before proceeding. Their guidance stresses that mouth jewelry introduces additional responsibility and requires consistent maintenance.
They also recommend removing oral jewelry if it begins to cause discomfort or dental issues. Preventive care, regular checkups, and proper hygiene are essential for reducing complications.
Importantly, experts strongly discourage self-piercing, particularly in sensitive oral areas, due to the elevated risk of infection and injury.
| ADA Recommendation | Purpose |
| Consult a dentist | Assess safety and oral health risks |
| Avoid self-piercing | Reduce infection and injury risks |
| Maintain strict hygiene | Prevent bacterial complications |
| Consider removal if problems arise | Protect teeth and gum health |
A Balance Between Athletic Excellence and Personal Expression
Alysa Liu’s appearance at the 2026 Winter Olympics ultimately highlighted the intersection of elite sports and individual self-expression. While her smiley piercing sparked viral curiosity, it did not overshadow her athletic accomplishments.
Her gold medal win, combined with her comeback story and distinctive personal style, positioned her as one of the most talked-about athletes of the Games.
The online reaction demonstrated how quickly visual details can become global discussion points, particularly when they coincide with major international events.
Conclusion: A Viral Moment Beyond the Medal
Alysa Liu’s Olympic journey in 2026 will be remembered primarily for her historic gold medal and triumphant return to competitive skating. However, the viral attention surrounding her smiley piercing added an unexpected cultural layer to her achievement.
As dental experts continue to caution against imitating oral piercings without professional guidance, the discussion surrounding her appearance has expanded into broader conversations about health, safety, and personal choice.
In the end, Liu’s legacy at the Milano Cortina Games is defined by excellence on the ice, resilience after retirement, and a moment of individuality that captured global attention during one of sport’s biggest stages.