Legendary singer and actress Barbra Streisand congratulated Olympic champion Alysa Liu after her historic gold medal performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. While many celebrated the moment, Streisand’s social media message also generated mixed reactions online.
Alysa Liu Makes Olympic History
At just 20 years old, Liu delivered standout performances in both the women’s singles and team figure skating events, earning two gold medals. Her victory marked the first time in 24 years that an American woman captured Olympic gold in figure skating — a milestone achievement for Team USA.
The Richmond, California native has been widely praised for her athleticism, artistry, and resilience following her return to competitive skating.
Streisand’s Social Media Message
Following Liu’s win, Streisand shared a congratulatory post referencing the skater’s past performance to one of her songs.
“We were so happy to see Alysa Liu win the gold medal in Milan yesterday,” Streisand wrote. “My husband just showed me that in 2019, she skated to my song ‘Don’t Rain on My Parade.’ I’m so proud of her.”
The song is one of Streisand’s most iconic performances from the Broadway musical and later film adaptation of Funny Girl.
In the same post, Streisand mentioned learning that Liu is half Chinese and reflected on her childhood memories of a Chinese family who supported her while she was growing up in Brooklyn. She described working in their restaurant and babysitting for the family, calling them an important part of her early life.
Online Reactions: Support and Criticism
The tribute quickly gained attention across social media platforms. Some users questioned whether mentioning Liu’s heritage was necessary in a celebratory post focused on athletic achievement.
Critics argued that the comment shifted attention away from Liu’s accomplishments. Others suggested the post reflected generational differences in communication style.
However, several supporters defended Streisand, noting that she has frequently spoken about the impact her childhood community had on her upbringing. They interpreted her comments as a personal reflection rather than an attempt to shift focus.
Alysa Liu’s Comeback and Mental Health Advocacy
Beyond her Olympic success, Liu’s journey has drawn significant attention for another reason: mental health awareness in elite sports.
After competing at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Liu stepped away from figure skating at age 16, citing burnout and emotional strain. Her father later described her struggles as deeply traumatic, saying she avoided the ice rink entirely during that period.
During her break, Liu studied psychology at UCLA and spent time traveling. In 2024, she rediscovered her passion for skating during a ski trip to Lake Tahoe and chose to return on her own terms — with greater personal freedom over her music choices, training style, and lifestyle.
“I thought the only way for me to try other things was to leave,” Liu previously shared about stepping away from the sport.
Now, as a two-time Olympic gold medalist, she has spoken openly about using her platform to promote mental health awareness in athletics.
“I hope with all this attention, I can raise awareness about mental health in sports and mental health more generally,” she said.
A Broader Conversation
Streisand’s congratulatory message may have sparked debate, but it also highlights the intense spotlight placed on public figures — especially during major global events like the Winter Olympics.
Meanwhile, Alysa Liu’s story continues to resonate as one of perseverance, self-discovery, and elite athletic achievement on the world stage.
What are your thoughts on the tribute and the reaction it received?