PLAYING TO WIN

With Cosmo Sports, we dive into the day-to-day lives of some of the most influential voices in athletics-because for us, it's never just about the records or standout performances. It's about who these legends truly are.

- By CHRISTEN A. JOHNSON

ALYSA LIU SPORT: Figure Skating WHY SHE'S A BIG DEAL: At 13, she became the youngest-ever U.S. women’s champion.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE FRIENDSHIPS WITH COMPETITION?

I am a very social person and love to make friends. Connections with people are the most important thing in life—they override everything, including skating. I can easily distinguish between competitor and friend.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOU ON THE ICE AND YOU OFF THE ICE?

I'm pretty much the same person. I love to play around with things. I'm really creative and hyper. Some would say that I'm chaotic, but I like fun—hiking a lot and going to the beach. I keep my life really normal.

TARA DAVIS-WOODHALL

SPORT: Track & Field

WHY SHE'S A BIG DEAL: She holds an Olympic gold in long jump.

WHAT WELLNESS HABITS DO YOU RELY ON?