In a breathtaking display of skill, resilience, and pure joy, Alysa Liu has captured the gold medal in women’s singles figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy. The 20-year-old American phenom from Oakland, California, delivered a flawless, electrifying free skate to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park” on February 19, 2026, securing Team USA’s first Olympic gold in the discipline since Sarah Hughes in 2002.
This victory marks the end of a 24-year gold medal drought for American women in singles figure skating and the first individual medal of any color since Sasha Cohen’s silver in 2006.Liu’s total score of 226.79—including a season-best 150.20 in the free skate and 76.59 from the short program—vaulted her past competitors, including Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto (silver) and Ami Nakai (bronze).
Her performance featured seven triple jumps executed with precision and flair, showcasing the technical mastery that has defined her career.
As the scores flashed on screen confirming her win, Liu’s infectious smile lit up the arena, embodying the happiness that has become her trademark in this remarkable comeback story.
Born on August 8, 2005, in Clovis, California, to Chinese immigrant father Arthur Liu and mother Yan Qingxin (Mary), Alysa Liu is the eldest of five siblings. She speaks Mandarin and has long been a trailblazer in the sport. Liu burst onto the scene as a prodigy, becoming the youngest U.S. national champion at age 13 in 2019.
She made history as the first female skater to land a triple Axel and a quadruple Lutz in the same program during a junior event. By 2022, at just 16, she had earned a world bronze medal and finished sixth at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
However, after those achievements, Liu shocked the figure skating world by announcing her retirement in 2022. The pressures of elite competition, including intense training far from home, had taken a toll.
She stepped away to pursue a more balanced life, enrolling at UCLA and embracing normal teenage experiences. “I refuse to not choose my own destiny,” she later reflected in interviews. Her break lasted about two and a half years, during which she rediscovered her love for skating on her own terms.
In 2024, Liu announced her return, training under coaches Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali. The resurgence was swift and stunning: she claimed the 2025 World Championship title, won the 2025–26 Grand Prix Final, and solidified her status as a dominant force.
Her journey back to the top has been hailed as one of the greatest comebacks in figure skating history, proving that stepping away can lead to greater success when driven by genuine passion rather than obligation.What sets Liu’s 2026 Olympic triumph apart is not just the hardware—it’s the spirit she brought to the ice.
Media outlets describe her as a “symbol of joy,” contrasting with past eras where skaters often appeared burdened by expectations. Her carefree demeanor, from her self-pierced frenulum jewelry (visible in her radiant smiles) to her post-skate exclamation of “That’s what I’m fucking talking about!” captured in broadcasts, signals a healthier, more authentic approach to the sport.
Commentators note that Liu has “changed figure skating forever” by prioritizing mental well-being and fun, inspiring a new generation to skate without fear.The impact rippled far beyond the rink. In her hometown of Oakland, dozens gathered at the local ice rink for a watch party, erupting in cheers as Liu clinched gold.
Bay Area pride swelled, with locals celebrating their “hometown hero.” Social media buzzed with admiration, from fans praising her as an icon to discussions of her influence on young athletes.
Even broader conversations emerged about immigration stories, as Liu’s family background highlighted the American Dream through her success.
As a current UCLA student, Liu balances academics and elite athletics, proving that figure skaters can thrive beyond the ice. Her gold medal also contributed to Team USA’s strong showing, including a team event victory.
With this win, Alysa Liu cements her legacy as the 2026 Olympic women’s singles champion, 2025 World champion, and a pioneer who skated her way back to glory on her own joyful terms.
This historic moment at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics reminds us why figure skating captivates millions: it’s not just about jumps and spins—it’s about heart, resilience, and the courage to rewrite one’s story.
Alysa Liu’s gold is more than a medal; it’s a celebration of coming home to what truly matters.
Signpost News is an Imphal-based media house that focuses on delivering news and views from Northeast India and beyond.
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