Boston, MA – In a stunning display of generosity, entrepreneur Elon Musk has gifted a top-tier Tesla to 19-year-old Alysa Liu, the American figure skater who recently secured the World Figure Skating Championship, ending a 19-year drought for the United States. The unexpected present comes as a celebration of Liu’s remarkable victory at Boston’s TD Garden on March 28, 2025, and highlights the intersection of athletic achievement and technological innovation.
Liu, displaying a captivating performance set to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park,” amassed a score of 222.97, showcasing exceptional technical prowess and artistry. Her performance, executed in a shimmering gold dress, cemented her place in history as the first American woman to win the title since Kimmie Meissner’s victory in 2006. This triumph is particularly significant considering Liu’s earlier retirement from competitive skating at the age of 16 due to burnout, followed by a triumphant return to the sport this season. Her win dethroned Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time defending champion, signaling a potential resurgence for American dominance in women’s figure skating.
Musk, known for his entrepreneurial ventures and often unconventional methods of publicity, extended the extraordinary gift to Liu shortly after her historic win. In a message posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Musk lauded Liu’s “incredible achievement” and announced his intention to gift her a custom Tesla Model S Plaid.
“Alysa embodies excellence and perseverance—values we hold dear at Tesla,” Musk stated in his tweet. The gesture is widely interpreted as a deliberate effort to associate the Tesla brand with figures embodying excellence and dedication. In a climate where Tesla has faced certain headwinds related to shifting market perceptions and evolving political landscapes, this gesture serves as a public acknowledgement of groundbreaking achievement while simultaneously boosting the brand’s image.
The significance of the gift extends beyond its monetary value. For Liu, receiving a Tesla represents recognition from a leading figure in technological innovation. The young athlete expressed her gratitude on social media, stating, “Thank you, @elonmusk! This means so much to me. Can’t wait to take my new ride for a spin!” The public has already begun speculating about potential customizations to the vehicle, with some suggesting gold accents or an interior design inspired by the ambiance of an ice rink.
Industry analysts suggest the gift is a shrewd move by Musk to resonate with a wider audience and bolster Tesla’s brand appeal. By aligning the electric vehicle manufacturer with the youthful energy and inspiring narrative of Liu’s comeback, Tesla aims to cultivate a positive perception among a new generation of consumers.
Beyond the immediate impact, this story is expected to have a long-lasting effect, inspiring future generations of athletes and innovators. Liu’s journey, coupled with Musk’s recognition, fosters a dialogue about the importance of perseverance, the power of innovation, and the value of celebrating talent across diverse disciplines.
As Alysa Liu now sets her sights on the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy, where she hopes to secure America’s first women’s figure skating gold medal since 2002, her continued journey promises to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. The convergence of her athletic prowess and Musk’s gesture has created a powerful narrative, further solidifying her position as a role model and cementing her place in sports history. Further updates will be provided as details regarding the specific customizations of Liu’s Tesla become available.
