KEY POINTS
- Alysa Liu secured the first US women’s Olympic figure skating gold medal since 2002.
- The 20-year-old champion delivered a flawless free skate to surge from second to first.
- Her historic victory in Milan follows a two-year retirement and successful comeback.
Alysa Liu made history at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on Thursday by winning the women’s figure skating gold. Her victory ends a 24-year gold medal drought for American women in the sport. The last US woman to achieve this feat was Sarah Hughes at the Salt Lake City Games. Liu performed two nearly perfect programs to secure her place on top of the podium.
The competition was intense as Liu entered the free skate trailing in second place. She delivered an emotional and technically demanding performance to overtake her rivals. The judges awarded her high scores for both her jumps and artistic presentation. Her total score comfortably placed her ahead of the silver medalist from South Korea.
This Olympic triumph marks a remarkable career turnaround for the young American athlete. Liu originally retired from competitive figure skating at the age of 16 in 2022. She spent two years away from the ice before announcing a surprise comeback last season. Her rapid ascent back to elite status culminated in this historic gold medal performance.
The crowd at the Milan Arena gave Liu a standing ovation following her final routine. She landed several difficult triple-jump combinations with precision and grace. Her program was set to a dramatic musical arrangement that showcased her maturity as a performer. Teammates and coaches celebrated on the sidelines as the final scores appeared on the screen.
US Figure Skating officials praised Liu for her dedication and resilience throughout the Olympic cycle. They noted that her win would inspire a new generation of American skaters. The victory also solidifies the United States’ position as a powerhouse in international winter sports. This gold is the highlight of the US team’s performance in Milan so far.
The silver medal went to Chaeyeon Kim, who put pressure on Liu with a strong skate. Kaori Sakamoto of Japan took home the bronze after a consistent showing across both programs. However, the night belonged to Liu, who became the youngest American woman to win this title. She draped herself in the American flag while greeting fans and media after the ceremony.
Liu’s journey to gold has been followed closely by fans around the world. Her decision to return to the sport was met with both excitement and skepticism. By winning on the world’s biggest stage, she has silenced any doubts about her ability. She joins an elite group of legendary American skaters who have reached the Olympic summit.
The 2026 Winter Games continue to provide thrilling moments across all disciplines. For the American delegation, Liu’s performance provides a significant morale boost mid-way through the competition. She is expected to participate in the upcoming exhibition gala before the closing ceremonies. This gold medal will likely define her legacy in the sport for years to come.
