A Comeback Forged in Resilience (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Milano Cortina, Italy – Alysa Liu delivered a captivating performance in the women’s short program at the 2026 Winter Olympics, securing third place and emerging as Team USA’s strongest contender for an individual medal.[1][2]
A Comeback Forged in Resilience
Liu’s journey to this moment traced back to her early dominance. At just 13, she became the youngest U.S. women’s champion in 2019 and repeated the feat in 2020. She competed at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, finishing sixth, and claimed bronze at the World Championships that year.[2]
Retirement followed at age 16 as she enrolled at UCLA and pursued adventures like hiking to Mount Everest base camp. A ski trip reignited her passion, leading to a return under coaches Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali. She captured the 2025 world title and maintained a streak of 210 jumps without a fall since September 2024.[2]
Poise and Precision Define Liu’s Skate
Liu opened the final warmup group with a spellbinding routine to Laufey’s “Promise.” She launched a clean triple flip and followed with the event’s most challenging combination: a triple Lutz-triple loop scored at 11.71 points. Her Level 4 step sequence and spins blended seamlessly with the choreography, earning her a new international personal best of 76.59 points.[1]
“I loved it. I’m really happy about how I skated,” Liu said afterward. “I felt super grounded and I connected with my program on another level compared to the rest of the season.”[1] Family members in the stands added to the special atmosphere, a rare occurrence for the skater.
Teammates Encounter Hurdles
While Liu shone, her U.S. counterparts faced tougher outings. Isabeau Levito marked her Olympic debut with elegance to “Zou Bisou Bisou” and “Almost in Your Arms,” highlighted by a triple flip-triple toe loop worth 10.56 points. Minor errors left her in eighth with 70.84 points.[1]
Amber Glenn, the reigning three-time U.S. champion, dazzled with the night’s highest-scoring triple Axel but doubled a planned triple loop, dropping to 13th at 67.39 points. Tearfully, she told coach Damon Allen, “I had it.”[1] Levito expressed pride in her effort, calling the Olympic ice “very special.”
Japanese Skaters Set the Pace
Japan dominated the leaderboard. Seventeen-year-old Ami Nakai led with 78.71 points after a massive triple Axel, followed closely by three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto at 77.23. Liu trailed the leaders by just 2.12 points.[2]
- Ami Nakai (Japan): 78.71 points
- Kaori Sakamoto (Japan): 77.23 points
- Alysa Liu (USA): 76.59 points
- Isabeau Levito (USA): 70.84 points (8th)
- Amber Glenn (USA): 67.39 points (13th)
The free skate on Thursday will determine the medals, where Liu stands as the U.S. best shot to end a 20-year drought in women’s singles.[2]
Liu’s focus remains on expression over rivalry. “My goal is just to do my programs and share my story,” she noted, embracing the moment without pressure.[2] As the competition intensifies, her poised return signals potential history for American skating. What are your predictions for the free skate? Share in the comments.
Key Takeaways:
- Liu’s 76.59 marks a personal best, positioning her 2.12 points from the lead.
- U.S. women already hold team event gold, but singles success hinges on Liu.
- Japan’s Nakai and Sakamoto lead a tight race into Thursday’s free skate.
