Daniel Radcliffe Has a Moment With Gold Medalist Alysa Liu That Broke the Internet
Olympic champion Alysa Liu experienced a true “fan girl” moment this week when she crossed paths with Hollywood star Daniel Radcliffe during a visit to the Today show on March 2. The 20-year-old figure skater, fresh from her historic success on the ice, was visibly overwhelmed as the Harry Potter actor surprised her backstage.
The meeting, captured in a heartwarming video shared by the program, showed Liu beaming with pure joy the moment Radcliffe entered the room. Upon seeing the actor in person, the gold medalist couldn’t contain her excitement, spontaneously exclaiming, Oh my Lord, as he approached to offer his congratulations.
Radcliffe greeted the champion with a warm hug and a high-five, acknowledging her incredible achievement at the Winter Games. He enthusiastically told the young athlete, You did it, yes, showcasing his own admiration for her performance in Milan.
In a lighthearted exchange during their photo opportunity, Liu offered to let Radcliffe wear her gold medals around his neck, admitting that she wasn’t going to ask but felt compelled in the moment. The 36-year-old actor politely declined the offer with a laugh, noting that wearing them felt like stolen valor given the immense effort required to earn them.
Instead, Radcliffe opted to hold the medals while posing for a series of photographs with Liu. He took a moment to praise her directly, telling the skater that you being you was the most joyful thing I’ve watched, referring to the infectious energy she brought to the Olympic stage.
The interaction has quickly gone viral, with fans and sports organizations alike celebrating the “cross-over” event. The U.S. Figure Skating Instagram account even joined in the fun, playfully comparing the meeting to a gold snitch catcher meeting a gold medalist, a nod to Radcliffe’s iconic role as a Quidditch seeker.
Social media users have dubbed Liu the Enchanted Blade Angel following the encounter, with many noting how refreshing it was to see two celebrities so genuinely thrilled to meet one another. The mutual respect between the wizarding world icon and the skating prodigy has become a standout moment of the post-Olympic celebration.
Daniel Radcliffe has been maintaining an incredibly active career, balancing his love for independent film with high-profile stage and television work. He recently concluded a celebrated run on Broadway and has been earning critical acclaim for his role in the dark comedy series Miracle Workers, which has become a cult favorite for its absurdist humor.
Alysa Liu’s gold medal win in Milan marked a stunning comeback for the athlete, who had briefly stepped away from the sport before returning with a renewed sense of passion. Her victory in the women’s individual event made her the first American woman to claim the Olympic skating title since 2002, cementing her status as a global sports icon.
As the Winter Olympics wrap up, Liu is expected to headline several high-profile ice shows across the United States and Asia. Her victory has sparked a renewed interest in figure skating among younger audiences, largely due to her relatability and her candid presence on social media platforms like TikTok.
Radcliffe, meanwhile, continues to be a vocal supporter of young talent in various fields and has frequently expressed his admiration for Olympic athletes. Whether he is navigating the world of magic or cheering from the sidelines of the skating rink, the actor remains a beloved figure who clearly appreciates the dedication required to reach the top of one’s craft.
Have something to add? Share your thoughts in the comments.