Alysa Liu has written herself into Olympic folklore, claiming gold at the Milano Ice Skating Arena with a performance defined by personality and resilience. The 20-year-old’s victory ends a drought for American women in the singles event that stretched back to Sarah Hughes’ win in 2002.
Liu, who previously retired at age 16 after suffering from burnout, delivered a nearly flawless free skate to a Donna Summer medley. Her score of 150.20 was a personal season best and proved enough to hold off a formidable challenge from a strong Japanese team.
Liu’s path to the podium has been anything but traditional. After missing out on a medal at the Beijing 2022 Games, she walked away from the ice to experience life as a regular teenager. Since her return last year, she has reclaimed control over her training and performance style.
Read more: Chloe Kim Calls Herself the “Baddest B****” After Winning Silver at Milano Cortina 2026
“I’m older and I’ve learned so many lessons. I’m so much better at protecting my peace,” she said during her training buildup.
That peace was on full display in Milan. Clad in a sparkling gold dress, Liu beamed through her entire routine, skipping both the triple axel and quad jumps in favor of vivacity and precise execution. When her victory was confirmed, a radiant Liu shouted to the cameras: “That’s what I’m talking about!”
Drama on the ice
The final moments of the competition were nerve-shredding. Three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, skating in her final Olympics before retirement, delivered a powerful routine to Edith Piaf. However, a missed jump combination proved costly.
Sakamoto was in tears as she realized the gold had slipped away. “The frustration of not being able to win it is really hitting me right now,” she said. Despite the disappointment, she secured the silver medal.
The bronze went to 17-year-old Ami Nakai, the youngest skater in the field. Nakai led after the short program and opened her free skate with a trademark triple axel, but a stumble on a triple lutz dropped her into third place.
Read more: 13-year-old Alysa Liu becomes youngest women’s figure skating champion in US history
For the American team, it was a night of redemption. Amber Glenn rose from 13th to 5th place after a stunning free skate that included a successful triple axel. Glenn, who has faced significant online criticism, stood and applauded her teammates from the stands.
In contrast, it was a difficult night for the Russian champion Adeliia Petrosian. The 18-year-old, coached by the controversial Eteri Tutberidze, fell on an attempted quad toe loop. She finished sixth and left the arena quickly without addressing the media.
As the medals were presented, Liu celebrated with her fellow podium finishers, epitomizing the joy she has found in her second chapter on the ice. “My family is out there, my friends are out there. I had to put on a show for them,” she said.
View this post on Instagram
