Alysa Liu Makes History with Gold Medal Win in Figure Skating at the Milan Cortina Olympics
Alysa Liu, a young figure skating prodigy, secured a gold medal in the women’s individual figure skating event at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Thursday. With this victory, Liu becomes the first American woman to medal in this event since 2006, when Sasha Cohen won silver.
Liu’s Historic Performance
Liu, 20, entered the free skate in third place following the short program, where she had delivered a solid performance. She was positioned behind Japanese skaters Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto, who were ranked first and second respectively. Liu’s journey in this competition has been one of resilience and determination, as her score of 150.20 in the free skate brought her total score to 226.79.
“I just like, can’t process this. There’s no way,” Liu remarked to her coaches immediately after her triumph. This moment marks her second Olympic gold medal, highlighting her remarkable talent and dedication.
Strong Showings from Fellow U.S. Skaters
Amber Glenn, competing earlier in the free skate, had a challenging short program but rebounded with an impressive performance, scoring 147.52 in the free skate. Glenn’s total score of 214.91 placed her in fifth position overall. Despite starting in 13th place, her persistence was acknowledged by Liu, who praised Glenn’s comeback.
Isabeau Levito, another promising young American skater, faced difficulties during her routine, finishing with a total score of 202.80, which ranked her 12th. She experienced a fall during her opening jump, a setback that affected her overall performance.
An Emotional Victory
Liu’s final skate was laden with both pressure and excitement, as she was the last U.S. competitor to take the ice. Displaying a sense of calm, she executed her routine with precision, nailing a triple lutz and a triple salchow. Throughout her performance, she maintained a joyful demeanor, often smiling and engaging with the audience. The crowd responded enthusiastically to her every move, culminating in a standing ovation from her family upon her exit from the rink.
Post-performance, Liu expressed her satisfaction and described her mental preparation, saying, “I was so calm when I started… I felt everyone’s energy.” The sense of fulfillment she derived from her performance further emphasized the significance of her return to competitive skating after briefly retiring following the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
International Competitors Shine
Japanese skaters also delivered strong performances. Kaori Sakamoto took home the silver medal, despite a missed triple jump, while her teammate Ami Nakai secured the bronze. Both skaters displayed commendable skill and artistry throughout their routines, contributing to the competitive nature of the event.
Liu’s win not only adds to her personal accolades but also revitalizes the presence of American women in figure skating on an international stage. The last gold medal for the U.S. in this event was earned by Sarah Hughes in 2002, a testament to the long wait for another victory.
Looking Ahead
The stakes at the Milan Cortina Olympics have been high as competitions continue to unfold. The United States also achieved success in the team skating event earlier in the games, marking a positive trend for American figure skating on the world stage.
As Liu steps back into the spotlight, her journey reflects not only her immense talent but also the evolving landscape of women’s figure skating. With her recent accomplishments and the support she has garnered, the future appears bright for Liu and her fellow American competitors in the coming events of these Winter Games.
Source: Original Reporting
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