The mystery behind Alysa Liu's stunning back tattoo is finally solved: the two-time Olympic gold medalist just shared that the intricate design is a matching piece with her best friend, a secret held tight since she was 18. Fans couldn't get enough of the epic ink when she rocked a black backless lace gown by Nicholas Oakwell Couture at the 2026 ESPYs, and now we know the deeply personal story behind it. This isn't just any tattoo, it's a testament to a friendship that runs deep.
That Epic Ink and the Unbreakable Bond
Liu, who absolutely owned the ice and stole hearts at the 2026 Winter Olympics, keeps making waves off the ice too. We've seen her unique style with the halo hair and even a frenulum piercing, so it's no shock that her newest fashion statement, that killer back tattoo, got everyone talking. At the 2026 ESPYs on July 15, she showed it off in a way that screamed confidence. The very next night, at the TIME100 Sports Gala, Liu spilled the beans to People magazine, confirming that while fans might be new to it, the tattoo wasn't exactly a secret to her. She even said, "There's, like, little things here and there that are really personal to us in the design." How cool is that? It's not just a design, it's a shared history, and that just makes it even more amazing.From Olympic Gold to Breakthrough Athlete
This revelation about her tattoo comes hot on the heels of what has been an absolutely unreal year for Alysa Liu. Remember Milano Cortina 2026? Liu absolutely dominated, walking away with two gold medals, one in women's singles and another in the team event. She literally made history, becoming the first American woman in 24 years to snatch an Olympic gold medal in women's single figure skating. Then, just days ago, she added another massive win to her resume, taking home the Breakthrough Athlete award at the 2026 ESPYs. She beat out some serious talent, too, like Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, Las Vegas rookie Fernando Mendoza, and San Jose Sharks player Macklin Celebrini. During her speech, Liu got real, saying she'd been in her sport since she was five, took two years off, and how this award felt like she "broke through in my own way, for myself, and for my sport." She capped it off by saying, "I love being an athlete, I couldn't have done it without my team." What a year for Liu! From making history on the ice to grabbing major awards and now sharing a glimpse into her personal life with that incredible tattoo, she's constantly redefining what it means to be a champion. What's next for this trailblazer? We're all watching to see her continue to inspire, on and off the ice.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.