At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Alysa Liu captivated audiences with much more than just her grace on the ice. While winning the gold medal in the free skate for the United States, the American figure skater also drew attention with an unexpected detail: a piece of jewelry (a piercing) hidden behind her radiant smile.<\/p>\n
When Alysa Liu raised her arms in victory on the podium, the cameras revealed a subtle metallic glint between her upper lip and teeth. Many initially mistook it for a dental accessory, before discovering it was a piercing known as a "smiley." This piece of jewelry, placed on the frenulum of the upper lip (the small ligament connecting the lip to the gum), is virtually invisible at rest. It only becomes visible with a broad smile or a burst of laughter, like a secret detail revealed only in expressions of joy. A perfect stylistic touch for an athlete with such an infectious smile.<\/p>\n
Depending on the individual's anatomy and the length of the chosen jewelry, this piercing can extend more or less low on the front teeth. Some rings barely touch the incisor line and remain very discreet, while others fall slightly lower and become more visible when the smile widens, like Alysa Liu's. Thus, its appearance naturally varies: barely perceptible in a shy smile, it catches the light more during a hearty laugh. This subtle interplay between discretion and brilliance contributes to its charm\u2014an almost secret piece of jewelry, only revealed in the brightest moments. <\/p>\n
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