Oakland's celebration for hometown Olympian Alysa Liu
Alysa Liu’s massive gold medal celebration
Thousands gathered at Frank Ogawa Plaza in Oakland to honor two-time Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu. The celebration featured performances by fellow Oakland natives G-Eazy and Grammy Award winner Kehlani.
OAKLAND, Calif. - Thursday was a celebration of Oakland native and Olympian Alysa Liu and her two gold medals at this year’s Winter Olympic Games, putting "Town bizness" on full display.
The city turned out in force to honor Liu with a celebration featuring performances by fellow Oakland natives rapper G-Eazy and Grammy Award winner Kehlani. Radio personality and Oakland native hosted the event.
Liu also received a key to the city.
About 7,000 people gathered at Frank Ogawa Plaza, underscoring Oakland’s tradition of showing up for its own.
Who is Alysa Liu?
At the Winter Games, she became the first American woman to win an individual gold medal in figure skating since 2002, and the first American to medal in the event since 2006 — all following a brief retirement from the sport.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee is urging residents who did not secure a reservation to skip the in-person event for safety reasons, citing capacity limits at the plaza.
"We have to be very well organized, so I'm urging and encouraging people to watch it online," Lee said, adding that she is grateful for the public's support and enthusiasm.
7,000 deep for Alysa Liu: Olympic gold medalist honored in Oakland
Thousands gathered at Frank Ogawa Plaza in Oakland to honor two-time Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu. The celebration featured performances by fellow Oakland natives G-Eazy and Grammy Award winner Kehlani.