Liu Wins US Gold in Women’s Figure Skating | 2024 Olympics

Milan, Italy – Alysa Liu has etched her name into Olympic history, securing the gold medal in women’s singles figure skating at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games. The 20-year-old American’s triumph marks the first time a U.S. Woman has stood atop the podium in this event since Sarah Hughes’ victory at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, ending a 24-year drought. Liu’s performance, a compelling blend of technical skill and artistic expression, captivated audiences and judges alike, earning her a combined score of 226.79.

This victory is particularly poignant given Liu’s unique journey. After a promising start to her career, including a sixth-place finish at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, she unexpectedly announced her retirement at just 16 years old. However, the allure of the ice proved too strong to resist, and she made a remarkable return to competition during the 2024-25 season. Her comeback culminated in a world championship title last March, setting the stage for her stellar performance in Milan. Adding to her impressive showing at these Games, Liu also contributed to the American team’s gold medal win in the team event, solidifying her status as a dominant force in the sport.

The Assago Arena witnessed a stunning display of athleticism and artistry as Liu delivered a captivating free skate set to a medley of Donna Summer classics. She shattered her previous season’s best free skate score by nearly four points, surpassing Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, who claimed the silver medal with a score of 224.90. Ami Nakai of Japan secured the bronze with a total score of 219.16. The competition was fierce, but Liu’s composure and technical prowess ultimately proved decisive.

A Comeback Story for the Ages

Alysa Liu’s path to Olympic gold is a testament to resilience and a passion for the sport. Her initial retirement shocked the figure skating world, leaving many wondering if she would ever return to the competitive arena. She openly discussed the pressures and anxieties she faced as a young athlete, and her decision to step away was driven by a need to prioritize her mental and emotional well-being. As NBC Olympics reported, Liu’s return was not about chasing medals, but about rediscovering the joy of skating and competing on her own terms.

“I really don’t feel nervous. I don’t feel the pressure. There’s nothing holding me down or holding me back,” Liu stated after her short program performance in Milan, as quoted by NBC Olympics. “I invite it all in. So, no matter what happens, it’s a story.” This mindset clearly translated to her performance, allowing her to skate with freedom and confidence. Her ability to connect with the audience and express herself through her skating was a key factor in her success.

The Competition Heats Up

While Liu’s performance was undoubtedly the highlight of the event, the competition was filled with compelling storylines. Kaori Sakamoto, the bronze medalist at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, delivered consistent performances in both the short program and free skate, earning her a well-deserved silver medal. Ami Nakai, at just 17 years old, led after the short program but ultimately settled for bronze after a less successful free skate.

The competition also saw strong performances from other skaters, including Team USA’s Isabeau Levito, who finished 12th and Amber Glenn, who placed fifth after leading the free skate. However, the participation of Russian skater Adeliia Petrosian drew scrutiny due to her association with coach Eteri Tutberidze, who has faced criticism in the past. According to the Independent, Petrosian’s medal hopes were dashed early after a fall on her opening quad toe-loop, effectively sidelining the debate surrounding her connection to Tutberidze.

Ending Russian Dominance and a Recent Era for US Figure Skating

Liu’s gold medal not only marks a historic moment for American figure skating but also brings an complete to 12 years of Russian dominance in the event. Prior to Liu’s victory, the last American woman to win Olympic gold in women’s singles was Sarah Hughes in 2002. This win signals a potential shift in the landscape of international figure skating, with the United States poised to become a major contender once again.

The victory is particularly significant given the challenges faced by the U.S. Figure skating program in recent years. Liu’s success is likely to inspire a new generation of American skaters and attract more investment in the sport. Her unique approach to skating, prioritizing artistic expression and personal fulfillment, may also influence the future direction of the sport.

A Look at the Final Results

Here’s a summary of the top five finishers in the women’s singles figure skating event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics:

• Gold: Alysa Liu (USA) – 226.79
• Silver: Kaori Sakamoto (JPN) – 224.90
• Bronze: Ami Nakai (JPN) – 219.16
• Fourth: Mone Chiba (JPN) – 218.51
• Fifth: Amber Glenn (USA) – 217.88

Nīna Petrokina of Estonia achieved the highest placement among European skaters, finishing seventh with a score of 210.82. She improved her position from tenth after the short program, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure.

What’s Next?

The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will continue until February 22nd, with athletes competing in a variety of winter sports. Fans can continue to follow the action live on NBC and Peacock. For Alysa Liu, this victory represents the culmination of a remarkable journey and a promising start to the next chapter of her career. Her story serves as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike, demonstrating the power of resilience, passion, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

The future of women’s figure skating looks bright, with a new generation of talented skaters emerging on the international stage. Liu’s victory is sure to ignite a renewed interest in the sport and inspire countless young athletes to chase their dreams. The world will be watching to see what she accomplishes next.

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