Calling Bullshit on Joy

Alysa Liu's gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics has everyone talking about joy — about following your bliss, about how the universe rewards you when you stop chasing the outcome. Maricella watched it and felt something more complicated.

In this minisode, she uses three figure skaters to explore what it actually looks like to perform for yourself versus performing for something external. Alysa Liu, whose comeback is being held up as proof that joy is enough. Amber Glenn, who moved from 13th to 5th after years of publicly battling anxiety, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation — and who still couldn't fully escape the pressure. And Ilia Malinin, the "Quad God" with 14 consecutive wins going in, who still got in his head.

What does it really mean to do something for joy? Is Alysa's story as simple as we're making it? And why is Amber Glenn's comeback — the one that didn't end in a medal — somehow the most moving thing Maricella watched all week?

If you've ever wanted to believe the "just do what you love" story but found yourself not quite buying it, this one might help you figure out why.

Topics: Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, Ilia Malinin, Winter Olympics 2026, figure skating, joy vs. outcome, mental health, comparison, burnout, career, imposter syndrome