Alysa Liu, an American figure skater, has made headlines recently not just for her incredible talent on the ice, but also for a decision her father, Arthur Liu, has made regarding her future in the sport.
Arthur Liu, who himself fled China in the 1990s after participating in the 1989 Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests, has stated that he will not allow his daughter to represent China in competitions. This decision stems from his deep concerns over the human rights record under the Chinese Communist regime, citing ongoing violations of basic rights.
Reflecting on his own escape from China and the challenges he faced as a political dissident, Arthur Liu shared his story with Alysa, who he says has been fascinated by his past. From his struggles in China to finding refuge in the United States as a political refugee, his experiences have shaped his views on the current situation in China.
In a recent interview with NTD, a sister media outlet of The Epoch Times, Arthur Liu emphasized that he cannot fathom allowing his daughter to represent a government that continues to trample on the rights of its own people. He highlighted the importance of democracy, respect for human rights, and a fair legal system before considering any representation for China.
While Alysa Liu has already made a name for herself as the youngest national champion in U.S. figure skating history at the age of 13, and has participated in both the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and the ongoing Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, her father’s stance on her potential representation of China sets her apart from fellow American-born freestyle skier Eileen Gu. Gu opted to represent her mother’s birthplace, China, in international competitions, a decision that has faced criticism from some prominent figures in the United States.
Arthur Liu has been actively involved in advocating for human rights, organizing protests outside Chinese consulates and embassies in the United States to draw attention to the plight of various groups facing persecution in China, including the Uyghur minority and political dissidents.
Despite his efforts, Arthur Liu disclosed that he has been monitored by Beijing spies, underscoring the lengths to which the Chinese government goes to silence dissenting voices, even on foreign soil. Reflecting on a past encounter with a friend turned Chinese spy, he stressed the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of such intrusive surveillance.
In the lead-up to the 2022 Winter Olympics, Arthur Liu received a suspicious phone call requesting copies of his and his daughter’s passports, a request he refused citing concerns about the caller. Subsequently, the FBI contacted him, warning of ongoing surveillance by Beijing and advising caution in his actions.
His daughter’s success in figure skating has been a source of pride for Arthur Liu, who noted that Alysa’s decision to return to the sport was entirely autonomous. From choosing her coach to planning training schedules and even driving herself to the rink, she has taken ownership of her career with joy and dedication.
With Alysa’s recent gold medal win in the team figure skating event at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, her father envisions a continuation of her skating journey beyond the current competition. Proud of her talent and accomplishments, Arthur Liu believes that Alysa’s future in figure skating looks promising and full of potential.
As Alysa Liu makes history as the first American female figure skater to win a gold medal in the women’s singles free skate event since Sarah Hughes in 2002, her father remains steadfast in his support for her career, hopeful for what the future holds for this rising star in the world of figure skating.