A Thrilling Final-Day Turnaround (Image Credits: Upload.wikimedia.org)
Milan-Cortina, Italy – Alysa Liu surged to gold in women’s figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics, delivering a joyful free skate that ended America’s long wait for a champion in the event.[1][2]
A Thrilling Final-Day Turnaround
Liu entered the free skate in third place after the short program, where she scored 76.59 points.[3] She then unleashed a career-highlight performance to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park,” earning 150.20 points for a total of 226.79.[4] The 20-year-old American executed her jumps with precision, from an opening triple flip to her closing combinations, captivating the Milano Ice Skating Arena crowd.[2]
Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto took silver with 224.90 points after an early error disrupted her program, while teammate Ami Nakai settled for bronze at 221.16 following minor mistakes.[4] Liu’s coaches embraced her off the ice as the scores confirmed her victory, a moment that echoed through the arena.[2] This marked her second gold at the Games, following Team USA’s team event triumph earlier in the week.[3]
From Prodigy to Retiree and Back
Born in Clovis, California, in 2005, Liu began skating at age five and quickly rose as a prodigy.[3] At 13, she became the youngest U.S. women’s national champion in 2019, defending her title the next year.[2] She placed sixth at the 2022 Beijing Olympics before retiring at 16 due to burnout, pursuing activities like skiing and enrolling at UCLA to study psychology.[1]
The adrenaline from skiing sparked her 2024 comeback on her own terms, leading to a 2025 world championship title—the first for an American woman in 19 years.[4] Training in California with coaches Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali, Liu returned more carefree and confident.[3] “I choose to be here,” she reflected, emphasizing control over her path.[4]
Key Elements of a Gold Medal Skate
Liu’s program showcased technical prowess without her signature triple Axel or quad, focusing instead on clean edges, endurance, and expression.[1] She smiled through warmups, waved to family, and ended with a ponytail flip as the music faded.[2] Fellow American Amber Glenn finished fifth with a strong free skate, climbing from 13th and briefly leading.[4]
| Athlete | Country | Total Score |
|---|---|---|
| Alysa Liu | USA | 226.79 |
| Kaori Sakamoto | JPN | 224.90 |
| Ami Nakai | JPN | 221.16 |
Here are highlights from Liu’s career leading to this moment:
- Youngest U.S. women’s champion (2019, age 13).
- 2025 World champion, ending 19-year U.S. drought.
- Triple Axel pioneer as a junior; first to combine quad and triple Axel.
- 2026 Olympic team event gold contributor.
- Grand Prix Final champion this season.
Reviving a Legacy
Liu’s victory snapped a 24-year U.S. gold drought in women’s singles, last achieved by Sarah Hughes in 2002.[4] It was the first individual Olympic medal for an American woman since Sasha Cohen’s 2006 bronze.[4] Her story of resilience highlights mental health’s role in elite sports.[2]
“I’m so honoured to have this and be alongside the people who have won it in the past,” Liu said.[4] The win signals renewed promise for U.S. skating amid global competition.
Key Takeaways
- Liu’s comeback proves second chances fuel greatness in figure skating.
- Her clean free skate emphasized artistry over raw jumps.
- U.S. women now hold team and singles gold from Milan-Cortina.
Alysa Liu’s gold redefines perseverance, blending prodigious talent with mature joy on the Olympic stage. What do you think of her inspiring journey? Tell us in the comments.
