Alysa Liu Ends 24-Year U.S. Olympic Gold Drought with Singles and Team Victories in Milan
Alysa Liu Ends 24-Year U.S. Olympic Gold Drought with Singles and Team Victories in Milan
American figure skater Alysa Liu won gold in the women’s singles event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, becoming the first U.S. woman to claim Olympic singles gold since. Liu also contributed to the United States’ team gold, finishing the Games with a total score of 226.79 points, ahead of Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto (224.90) and Ami Nakai (219.16).
Historic Free Skate Performance
Liu, 20, rose from third place after the short programme to claim the top podium spot in her free skate, performing to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park”. She achieved a score of 150.20 points in the free skate without receiving a negative grade of execution. The victory marked the first Olympic medal for an American woman in the discipline since Sasha Cohen’s silver in 2006.
In addition to her singles success, Liu helped secure U.S. gold in the team event alongside teammates including Ilia Malinin. Fellow Americans Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito also competed, with Glenn finishing fifth after recovering from a difficult short programme.
Comeback Story: From Retirement to World Champion
Liu retired in 2022 at age 16 but returned to competitive skating in 2024. She won the 2025 World Championships, re-establishing herself as a leading figure on the international circuit. Liu credited her success to taking greater control over her career, choosing her own team, managing her schedule, and emphasising creativity and individuality in her routines
“I have creative ideas. I’m really into fashion and I love to express myself,” Liu told E! News, highlighting her artistic approach to the sport.
Celebrations in Oakland
Liu has received a hero’s welcome in her hometown. Officials in Oakland, California, announced plans for a city‑wide celebration to honour the Olympian, calling her a hometown hero and the third Bay Area woman to win Olympic gold in figure skating, following Kristi Yamaguchi (1992) and Peggy Fleming (1968).
Local businesses joined in the celebrations. Fentons Creamery publicly offered Liu “ice cream for life” and hosted a watch party during her free skate. Fans greeted her at San Francisco International Airport, reflecting widespread community pride in her achievement.
Looking Ahead: World Championships and New Programmes
Following her Olympic triumph, Liu is preparing for the 2026 World Championships in Prague. She plans to design new routines that integrate choreography, music, costumes, and hair styling, creating a cohesive artistic presentation on the ice.
Her comeback and Olympic success have positioned her as a leading figure in figure skating, championing individuality and creative expression while inspiring the next generation of athletes
