Olympic figure skating champion Alysa Liu recently shared a memorable moment backstage at the Today when she met actor Daniel Radcliffe. Liu, who made headlines at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, had just achieved an extraordinary milestone by winning two gold medals in figure skating. When the two met, Radcliffe congratulated her warmly, greeting her with a hug and a high-five while expressing admiration for her performance on the ice. During their conversation, Liu offered the actor a chance to wear her Olympic gold medal, a lighthearted gesture that often happens when athletes meet celebrities or fans. However, Radcliffe politely declined the offer, explaining that he did not feel comfortable wearing a medal that represented years of dedication and hard work by someone else.
Instead of wearing the medal, Radcliffe held it briefly for a photo while they took selfies together, keeping the focus on Liu’s accomplishment. He later told the young champion that watching her skate had been a joyful experience and praised her energy and talent. Liu’s Olympic achievements were historic, including a gold medal in the team figure skating event and another in the women’s singles competition. Her victory marked the first time in more than two decades that an American woman had won Olympic gold in women’s singles figure skating. Despite the huge milestone, Liu remained humble and relaxed about her success, saying she tries not to place too much pressure on herself when performing. Many people online appreciated Radcliffe’s respectful reaction, noting that his decision showed genuine admiration for the dedication required to earn an Olympic medal. The brief meeting turned into a meaningful moment that connected two stars from very different worlds — one from the world of elite sports and the other from the film industry.