The bronze medalist, last to skate, stole my heart.

I’m late to tuning in the olympics, but I’m so happy I finally started tuning in and caught her performance!

She was out of this world!!

Alysa's choice of songs from Richard Harris and Donna Summer thrilled me, and made me misty-eyed for decades (eons?) past. The last segment was by Laufey, an Icelandic group. Her music hit a perfect tone to her skate, and it was way, way better than the music choices of the other skaters. I agree with porkchop. A few were annoying, and Carmen was a stupid idea.

She was mesmirizing to watch!! I knew ahead of time that she had won gold but watching her performance was just great! I like her free and joyful attitude to performing now. Her story was so interesting. And, yes, it really gives a much needed lift to my spirits.

I love to watch figure skating, but boo to NBC for airing the first group of 12 instead of the gold medal hockey game between USA and Canada. That was an exciting game! And available only by subscribing to a streaming or cable service. Boo. They aired one minute of the game. Meanwhile, figure skating was on free air broadcast all afternoon, and some aired free again in the evening as well.

In case you missed it.

Thanks, Annie. I did miss it and only saw her get the medal and an interview. She's adorable and skates like a dream. MacArthur's Park is my very favorite song of all time, but only by Richard Harris. I never cared for Donna Summer's version, but I have to admit that it was the version that allowed Ayssa to skate so beautifully to the music.

I also saw one of the Asian skaters skate to Time To Say Goodbye, which was a lovely choice. I agree about Amber's song. Not good.

Alysa skated like she’s doing an exhibition, not a care in the world, she makes it look so easy! Fully deserved the gold. That bronze skater, though, Ami Nakai, I look forward to seeing her more. She’s only 17, there’s more to come from her, she reminds me a bit of Midori Ito.

I don’t follow skating unless it’s Olympics time, but I had read a rather lengthy article about a week ago about Alyssa Liu and couldn’t wait to see her skate. She is a Boss, besides being a delight to watch. Reading about her early start in skating, the reasons behind her 2.5 year hiatus from skating, what she did during the time, and why she decided to try it again on her terms, it all really made sense that she now has the attitude she does and is such a delight to watch. She reminds me of the skating version of a Lindsey Vonn in a way. They both have an attitude of doing things their way, are pretty relaxed about it, and go for it.

That's an East Bay Area girrll all the way. Love her spunk, individuality, and positivity. Just went out and skated her heart out with that huge smile on her face.

She is so full of joy; she radiates goodness. Just what we need these days. Ilia affects me the same way; I've loved his humility and grace about his difficult skate and results, after all the build up and pressure on him. I look forward to watching more from both of them. Can't wait for Saturday evening's Exhibition Gala!

Another thing that I loved was her gorgeous smile….from ear to ear. Some of the others with their too heavy drama looked like they were straining too hard in the bathroom.

My over all reaction to the exhibition was MEH. They were not showing off their best moves and were focused more on the artistry. I watch for the athleticism. I can go see an ice show any day.

She stated she doesn't diet, she stepped away and came back on her own terms (apparently), she's unapologetically herself... I appreciate everything about her. She performed and celebrated her win unabashedly. She's a strong role model.

I can’t go see an ice show any day. The gala has always been my favorite part, going back to Midori Ito and her umbrella, and Kristi Yamaguchi helping her do a quick costume change. The best moves don’t make a performance. Jason Brown doesn’t have the quad, but I will watch him any day, every day, all day, over Ilia. It’s the pure joy and love of the art I need to see.