Alysa Liu Embraces 'Quirked Up' Label After SNL Skit

The Olympic gold medalist figure skater reacted positively to being called 'quirked up' on Saturday Night Live.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Team USA figure skater Alysa Liu seemed to enjoy the Saturday Night Live skit where host Connor Storrie referred to her as 'that ice skating girl with the striped hair' who is 'a little quirked up.' Liu, who recently won two gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, shared the clip on her Instagram story and simply wrote 'Period' in response, indicating she agreed with the 'quirked up' assessment.

Why it matters

Liu's unique style, including her signature striped hair and self-pierced 'smiley' piercing, have made her a pop culture phenomenon. Her embrace of the 'quirked up' label shows she is comfortable with her unconventional look and persona, which has helped boost her popularity and profile as one of the rising stars of American figure skating.

The details

In the SNL skit, Storrie, the star of the show 'Heated Rivalry,' mentioned Liu while discussing the concept of being a 'baddie' - someone who is confident and unapologetic about their style and personality. Liu, 20, has been rocking her signature striped hair since returning to figure skating in 2024 after a two-year retirement. She revealed she pierced her own 'smiley' piercing a couple years ago, though experts warn oral piercings can be dangerous. Liu's unique look and persona have contributed to her growing popularity, especially after her two gold medal wins at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

  • Liu won two gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy.
  • Liu returned to figure skating in 2024 after a two-year retirement.
  • Liu pierced her own 'smiley' piercing a little over two years ago.

The players

Alysa Liu

A 20-year-old American figure skater who won two gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Liu is known for her unique style, including her signature striped hair and self-pierced 'smiley' piercing.

Connor Storrie

The 26-year-old host of the show 'Heated Rivalry' who referenced Liu on a recent episode of Saturday Night Live, calling her 'that ice skating girl with the striped hair' who is 'a little quirked up.'

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What they’re saying

“'And as that ice skating girl with the striped hair taught us, you can still be a baddie, even if you're a little quirked up.'”

— Connor Storrie, Host, 'Heated Rivalry' (Saturday Night Live)

“'Period'”

— Alysa Liu (Instagram)

The takeaway

Alysa Liu's embrace of the 'quirked up' label shows she is comfortable with her unique personal style and persona, which have helped make her a rising star in figure skating and a pop culture phenomenon. Her confidence and willingness to be unapologetically herself have contributed to her growing popularity and success.