- Alysa Liu's Olympic gold win in Milan inspires Utah's young figure skaters.
- Maya Hansen, 6, and others are motivated by Liu's historic achievement.
- Utah's skating community anticipates increased interest and new talent emerging.
BOUNTIFUL — For 6-year-old Maya Hansen, the ice is already magic. Just ask her.
"So excited," said Maya with a shy smile.
Her excitement wasn't just about what she's been learning on the ice. It came from watching her favorite skater, Alysa Liu, win Olympic gold in Milan. Liu is the first American woman to do so in more than two decades, since Sarah Hughes in the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
"She's an amazing skater and I love to watch her," Maya said.
She has even met Liu before. The photo still makes her smile.
"She was so kind," she said.
So, when Liu's skate aired on television, Maya cheered from home and let out a big celebration cheer when Liu won the gold medal. Then, she couldn't wait to get back on the ice at the South Davis Recreation Center in Bountiful.
"She's so amazing and she skates with so much passion and I want to be like her someday," Maya said.
She wasn't alone. It turns out, a lot skaters practicing Thursday evening saw Liu's gold medal skate.
"I was screaming and running around the room," said 14-year-old Brooklyn Rogers. "I was so happy because, I don't know, she's just kind of an idol, you know?"
Utah's skating community says moments like Liu's Olympic victory do more than bring home medals. They spark dreams.
"To crown that champion just opens up and inspires a whole new generation of skaters," said Michelle Thomson, director of Utah Figure Skating Competition and Events.
Thomson said she wouldn't be surprised if more young skaters start signing up for lessons. She saw the excitement in Maya's eyes when she got on the ice after seeing Liu's victory.
"That is what it's all about. That inspiration and that ambassadorship that Alyssa makes happen. We try to instill that in a lot of our skaters, because they do have a talent that they can share with others," said Thomson.
And you never know who might be next.
"It just seems so amazing to be there," said Maya, with her own competition gold medal around her neck. "I love it."
