Alysa Liu Makes History with Olympic Gold, Capping Remarkable Comeback
Alysa Liu, the American figure skating sensation, captured hearts and headlines worldwide at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina by winning the women’s singles figure skating gold medal, ending a 24-year Olympic drought for the United States in the event. Her stunning performance on Thursday night solidified her place among the sport’s greats and showcased one of the most inspiring comeback stories in recent Olympic history.
At just 20 years old, Liu delivered a captivating free skate in a sparkling gold costume, performing to “MacArthur Park Suite” by Donna Summer and landing all seven of her triple jumps with poise under pressure. With a total score of 226.79, she narrowly edged out Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, earning not just gold but historic significance.
A Long-Awaited Victory for Team USA
Liu’s triumph marked the first time an American woman clinched Olympic figure skating gold since Sarah Hughes stood atop the podium in 2002. It was also the first U.S. medal of any color in individual women’s figure skating since Sasha Cohen won silver in 2006.
Her win adds to an already dazzling Olympic run — she had also helped the U.S. team secure gold earlier in the team event, making her a double Olympic champion. Liu’s performances throughout the Games showcased her technical excellence and emotional resilience.
The Comeback That Captivated the World
What makes Liu’s Olympic success even more remarkable is her journey to the top. After competing in the 2022 Winter Olympics, she stepped away from the sport due to burnout and personal reflection. Liu took time off, enrolled at UCLA, embarked on life experiences outside of skating, and ultimately rediscovered her passion, leading her back to the ice with a renewed sense of purpose and autonomy.
Her comeback wasn’t just about athletic achievement; it was deeply personal. Liu emphasized that this return was her choice, with greater control over her training, music, costumes, and overall approach to the sport. That confidence and authenticity seemed to shine through in Milan.
Support and Celebration
Following her Olympic victory, Liu was surrounded by support from teammates, family, and fans. Her emotional embrace with fellow competitors on the podium resonated with audiences globally, illustrating the camaraderie and mutual respect at the highest levels of competition.
Significant moments from her win included heartfelt celebrations with U.S. teammates and an emotional connection with the crowd, who rose to their feet as Liu struck her final pose, a powerful image of joy, confidence, and triumph.
Beyond the Medal: Legacy in the Making
Liu’s gold medal represents more than a personal victory; it revitalizes American women’s figure skating and adds a fresh chapter to its legacy. Her bold return and vibrant performances have inspired both fans and aspiring athletes, demonstrating that elite success can follow introspection, balance, and self-determination.
As she continues to embrace all aspects of her journey, on and off the ice, Alysa Liu stands as a shining example of perseverance and passion in modern sport.
