Alysa Liu’s remarkable performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics captured global attention, not only for her technical mastery but also for a subtle personal detail that went viral online. Liu’s gold medal in the women’s singles event ended a long-standing medal drought for the United States in figure skating and marked her emergence as a new generation talent. During her emotional celebration, viewers noticed a small oral piercing—a “smiley” piercing visible when she smiled broadly. While fans were fascinated by the aesthetic, medical professionals quickly weighed in, emphasizing that viral trends involving body modifications carry health considerations. Liu’s experience illustrates how, in today’s hyper-connected media landscape, an athlete’s personal style choices can spark public conversation alongside their professional accomplishments.
The piercing itself has a specific context. Liu performed the Olympic free skate under enormous pressure, competing against strong rivals while managing national expectations. Her technical precision and composure earned her gold by a narrow margin. During her celebratory smile, the small oral piercing—a piece of jewelry through the thin tissue connecting her upper lip to her gum—was briefly visible, surprising viewers. She had completed the piercing herself with the help of her sister over two years prior, a detail that added intrigue. In an era where minor personal details can go viral, Liu’s piercing became a public talking point, illustrating the interplay between private decisions and the amplification power of global broadcasts.
Medical professionals emphasized the health implications of oral piercings, offering guidance without criticizing Liu. They noted that the mouth hosts one of the highest concentrations of bacteria in the body, meaning any oral piercing carries a risk of infection if not properly performed and maintained. Potential complications include swelling, irritation, gum recession, and enamel wear from repeated contact between jewelry and teeth. The frenulum tissue used for smiley piercings is thin and variable, making durability unpredictable. While not inherently unsafe, these factors underline the importance of professional technique, informed decision-making, and regular monitoring to ensure long-term oral health.
Proper hygiene and safety practices are critical for any body modification. Licensed piercers follow strict protocols using sterile needles, medical-grade jewelry, and detailed aftercare instructions to minimize infection risk. Piercings performed outside professional settings may increase complications, and using biocompatible metals like implant-grade titanium or surgical steel is recommended. Ongoing care is essential: individuals with oral piercings should maintain oral hygiene, monitor for gum irritation, and attend dental checkups. Loose or improperly secured jewelry can pose choking hazards. Experts emphasized that the guidance surrounding Liu’s piercing was intended to educate a curious public about safe body modification practices rather than to provoke alarm.
The viral moment also underscores the broader cultural impact of athlete visibility in the digital age. Modern athletes are not just competitors—they are public figures whose appearance, personality, and personal choices are scrutinized and shared globally. Liu’s authenticity and independence have resonated with fans, and her Olympic success amplified that visibility. Viral discussions around personal expression often influence younger audiences who may not be aware of potential health risks. Liu’s example demonstrates that personal expression can coexist with elite performance, provided awareness and proper precautions are observed, offering a model for responsible individuality in sports.
Ultimately, Liu’s Olympic gold remains the defining achievement of her story. The attention surrounding her smiley piercing is a secondary narrative, illustrating how small personal details can ignite widespread conversation in the modern media environment. For fans, it enhances her public image as a confident and expressive athlete. For health professionals, it serves as a teachable moment about informed decision-making in body modification. Liu’s experience demonstrates that athletic excellence and personal expression can coexist safely, showing that even in the global spotlight, one can maintain individuality while achieving peak professional performance.
