US Figure Skater Alysa Lius Father Rules Out Representing China, Cites Human Rights Concerns

Alysa Liu of Team United States competes during the women’s single skating–short program on day 11 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 17, 2026. Sarah Stier/Getty ImagesThe father of U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu says he would not allow his daughter to compete for China, citing its human rights record and ongoing abuses and recalling his own escape decades ago.Arthur Liu, who fled China in the 1990s because of his involvement in the 1989 Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests, said his 20-year-old daughter is “fascinated” by his life story—from his upbringing and decision to protest against the Chinese communist regime to becoming a wanted man, fleeing the country, and rebuilding his life in the United States as a political refugee.