Olympic Gold Medalist Alysa Liu’s Top Anime Recommendations

Image: Mappa

The era when being an anime enthusiast felt like a clandestine subculture is long over. Today, anime has become a global cultural juggernaut, with dedicated fans found in every corner of the world. Even Olympic champion Alysa Liu—the first American woman in over two decades to secure gold in singles figure skating—has revealed a quintet of series that define her viewing habits. Her curated list suggests that the 20-year-old history-maker possesses a remarkably discerning palate for the medium.

In a recent lightning-round interview with Overtimewbb on TikTok, the figure skater shared her top five essential anime, and the lineup was impeccable. Noting that her picks weren’t in any specific order, Liu listed: Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, Attack on Titan, Madoka Magica, and Soul Eater. Two details stood out during her breakdown. First, her casual mention that a fresh chapter of Chainsaw Man had just debuted confirmed she is a dedicated manga reader. Second, she sparked debate by defending Eren Yeager’s decision to initiate the Rumbling—the apocalyptic event that nearly extinguished humanity. It was a bold take for a bold athlete.

Image: Studio Bones

Liu has previously been spotted carrying a Pochita plushie, making her Chainsaw Man fandom very visible. However, her appreciation for Attack on Titan, JJK, and Soul Eater hints at a specific interest in brooding protagonists with complex temperaments. Eren and Denji, for instance, are often viewed as parallel versions of emotionally turbulent youths. By citing Soul Eater and Madoka Magica, Liu further proves her status as a connoisseur. These series aired when she was in early childhood, indicating she has explored the medium’s history to find foundational and boundary-pushing narratives.

Beyond personal taste, these choices reflect themes relevant to the modern generation: stories rooted in a healthy skepticism of authority, unconventional romances, and the deep-seated friendships that provide solace in a harsh reality. To borrow from the famous meme, Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu is truly “just like us.”

Source: Polygon