Alysa Liu wins Olympic Gold, ending 24-year wait for USA in Women’s Figure Skating
Alysa Liu delivered one of the most memorable performances of the 2026 Winter Olympics, capturing the women’s figure skating gold medal and ending a 24-year Olympic drought for the United States in the event.
The 20-year-old produced a dazzling free skate in Milan on Thursday, surging from third place after the short program to secure the Olympic title with a career-best total score of 226.79. Her victory marks the first time an American woman has stood atop the Olympic podium in figure skating since Sarah Hughes won gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
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Liu’s commanding performance inside the Milano Ice Skating Arena electrified the crowd and cemented her place among the sport’s elite.
A free skate that changed the standings
Heading into the free skate, Liu trailed two Japanese skaters after placing third in the short program. But her final routine, performed to “MacArthur Park Suite” by Donna Summer, proved decisive.
Displaying technical precision and emotional expression, Liu delivered a nearly flawless program that brought spectators to their feet. Her routine featured clean landings, strong combinations, and a confident closing sequence that sealed the highest score of the night.
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After finishing her skate, Liu waited anxiously as the final two competitors took the ice. Those skaters were Japan’s Nakai Ami, who led after the short program, and three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto.
Both delivered strong performances but committed minor errors that ultimately left Liu’s score untouched at the top of the standings. Sakamoto secured silver with 224.90 points, while Nakai claimed bronze to complete the podium.
Ending a long wait for Team USA
Liu’s victory carries major historical significance for American figure skating. The United States had not won Olympic gold in the women’s event since Hughes’ triumph in 2002. Liu also became the **first American woman to win any Olympic medal in the discipline since Sasha Cohen earned bronze at the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Her triumph also continues a resurgence for U.S. figure skating following Nathan Chen winning men’s gold at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Beyond the Olympic stage, Liu had already signaled her rise by winning the World Figure Skating Championship the previous season, ending a 19-year title drought for American women.
Double Olympic Gold for Liu
The women’s singles triumph marked Liu’s second gold medal of the Milan Games. Earlier in the competition, she helped the United States capture the team figure skating event gold, further underlining her importance to Team USA’s campaign.
Following the ceremony, Liu reflected on the significance of joining the list of Olympic champions.
“I’m so honoured to have this and be alongside the people who have won it in the past,” Liu said. “They’re incredible. It’s crazy that I have the same thing they do now.” She also praised the atmosphere inside the arena.
“I’m so happy with the way I skated today. The crowd was incredible and the skate went exactly how I wanted it to.” The medals were presented by Kirsty Coventry, the president of the International Olympic Committee, who attended the women’s free skate in Milan.
A New Era for U.S. Figure Skating
Liu’s rise signals the arrival of a new star in American winter sports. Known for her energetic personality and fearless skating style, she has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces of the 2026 Games.
Her Olympic success, combined with her world title and team gold, places her among the most decorated athletes of the current Olympic cycle. With youth still on her side and global attention growing rapidly, Liu’s victory could mark the beginning of a new era for U.S. women’s figure skating on the international stage.
Tinu Brown