Winter Olympics double gold medalist Alysa Liu receives heroic welcome across Bay Area, San Francisco as she returns from Milan

Alysa Liu returned to the Bay Area after her successful campaign at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. The Olympic champion was greeted with loud cheers when she landed at San Francisco International Airport on Monday.

Crowds gathered to welcome her home after she won gold on the world’s biggest stage. Her arrival quickly turned into a celebration, with fans showing pride and excitement for the hometown star.The 19-year-old skater has since been spotted at several places around the Bay Area. From restaurants to city streets, the community has embraced her achievement. Eyewitnesses described emotional scenes on her flight and at the airport.

Local leaders have also announced plans for a major celebration in her honor. Liu’s homecoming has turned into a week-long tribute to her historic Olympic victory and her impact on young athletes.

San Francisco's Bay Area celebrates Alysa Liu’s historic Winter Olympics victory

Alysa Liu landed at SFO and walked through a golden tunnel created for her as people clapped and cheered. One fan even shouted that Oakland loves her. One eyewitness, Nathalie Cardoza, who was on the same flight from Atlanta, recorded the special moment. Speaking to abc7news, she revealed that it felt amazing to see Liu walk out to such a warm welcome.

According to her, the skater looked surprised by the crowd, and everyone applauded loudly.Cardoza said passengers had no idea Liu was on the five-hour flight. She shared that after landing, a flight attendant mentioned Delta’s Olympic partnership and congratulated Liu. At first, travelers seemed confused. Then they were told the gold medalist was sitting at the back of the plane. Everyone turned around, spotted her, and began clapping.

Cardoza even captured a selfie to remember the moment. The excitement continued at Trabocco Kitchen and Cocktails. Owner Giuseppe Naccarelli said there was sudden commotion when guests realized a gold medalist was dining inside. He explained that customers recognized Liu and rushed to greet her. Many offered to pay her bill, and he personally treated her to appetizers. He described Liu as relaxed, friendly, and happy to interact with everyone.

She ordered fettuccine bolognese and later enjoyed tiramisu, which she said was the best she had ever tasted.City officials also joined the celebration. Kim Bardakian from the office of Barbara Lee shared that five billboards along Highway 880 now honor Liu. She praised Liu’s humility, confidence, joy, and determination, saying those qualities reflect Oakland’s spirit. Bardakian confirmed that a citywide celebration is being planned, though the exact date will be announced soon due to Liu’s busy schedule.Fans can next see Liu perform on the “Stars on Ice” tour at the SAP Center in May, where she will once again take the spotlight.