On March 2, at the Today show, actor Daniel Radcliffe and figure skater Alysa Liu shared a touching encounter that delighted fans. The moment captured the 36-year-old star holding the 20-year-old Olympic gold medalist’s precious award, highlighting Liu’s recent triumph at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
During their backstage meeting, Radcliffe expressed admiration for Liu’s performance, describing it as a joyful experience. The gold medalist, radiant from her achievements, offered Radcliffe the chance to wear her medal for a photo, though he opted to hold it instead, concerned it might feel inappropriate to don the honor himself.
Behind the Scenes: A Candid Exchange Between Two Stars
Video footage shared by the Today show reveals Liu’s amazement as Radcliffe entered the room with enthusiasm, embracing her along with her gold medals. The actor greeted Liu with a warm hug and a high-five before taking selfies on his phone. Liu’s reaction, a mix of disbelief and joy, underscored the specialness of the moment.
When Liu suggested Radcliffe wear the gold medal, he initially hesitated, saying, “I wasn’t going to ask.” He then joked about not wanting to commit “stolen valor” by putting it on. Instead, Radcliffe chose to hold the medal for their photographs, preserving the respect for Liu’s achievement without overstepping.
Radcliffe Praises Liu’s Olympic Performance
Radcliffe conveyed his sincere admiration for Liu by telling her,
“You being you was the most joyful thing I’ve watched,”
referring to her gold medal-winning routine. This praise not only honored her athletic accomplishment but also highlighted the emotional impact of her skating at the Winter Olympics.
Adding a playful touch, the U.S. Figure Skating account commented on the connection between Liu’s gold medals and Radcliffe’s iconic role as Harry Potter, who was known as a star quidditch player. Their comment,
“Gold snitch catcher 🤝 gold medalist.”
celebrated the unique synergy between sport and storytelling.
Alysa Liu’s Journey to Olympic Gold and Beyond
Alysa Liu had previously retired from figure skating in 2022 but rediscovered her passion for the sport two years later, leading up to her double gold wins at the 2026 Winter Olympics. She earned medals in both the team event on February 8 and the free skate on February 19, the latter performed to Donna Summer’s MacArthur Park.
Despite her enormous success, Liu remains introspective about her role in the public eye. In an interview shortly after her Olympic victory, she admitted uncertainty about embracing the status of a role model.
“I wouldn’t tell anyone to force their joy in something they don’t actually like. I actually really enjoy the sport, and I don’t know, it just comes naturally and it’s really fun, spinning and stuff, gliding on the ice,”
Liu shared from Milan on February 20.
She also emphasized the importance of self-care and pacing oneself, noting,
“Sometimes, taking a step back is what’s needed to see the full picture.”
Her reflections reveal a thoughtful approach to success and personal fulfillment, encouraging others to find genuine happiness in their activities.
Significance of the Meeting and Its Broader Impact
The encounter between Daniel Radcliffe and Alysa Liu is a reminder of the meaningful bonds that can form between individuals from different worlds, united by respect and admiration. Radcliffe’s warm reaction to Liu’s gold medal performance introduces additional visibility for figure skating and athlete stories, while Liu’s grounded perspective fosters a nuanced view of achievement and public expectation.
This moment also highlights how public figures can support one another’s journeys, inspiring audiences beyond their shared fame. As Liu continues to navigate her career post-Olympics, her candid honesty about joy and role modeling offers a relatable message for aspiring athletes and fans alike.
