Alysa Liu Claims Historic Gold in Women’s Free Skating at 2026 Olympics

Alysa Liu made history on March 1, 2026, by winning the gold medal in the women’s free skating competition at the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. This victory marked a significant achievement for American figure skating, as it was the first time since Sarah Hughes in 2002 that an American woman stood atop the Olympic podium. Liu’s performance not only secured her place in Olympic history but also demonstrated her remarkable journey back to the sport.

Competing in the women’s free skate, Liu finished with a score of 150.20, bringing her total to 226.79, which was her best performance of the season. She entered the event trailing Ami Nakai of Japan by just over two points and was less than a point behind her compatriot, Kaori Sakamoto, after a strong short program earlier in the week. Liu’s short program score of 76.59 was a career-best, showcasing her technical skill and resilience under pressure.

Liu, who skates out of the St. Moritz Skating Club in Oakland, California, previously helped Team USA secure gold in the team event at the Olympics. Reflecting on her team experience, she expressed that it felt “really special.”

A Journey of Resilience and Passion

Liu became the youngest U.S. champion at just 13 years old and was positioned as a future star of American figure skating. She qualified for the Beijing Olympics at 16, where she finished sixth. However, the pressures of competition took their toll, leading her to take a break from skating after the 2022 Olympics. During her time away from the rink, she enrolled at UCLA to study psychology, stating, “I really despised skating.” This period allowed her to reassess her relationship with the sport.

Returning to competitive skating in 2024, Liu made headlines as the first American woman to win a world title since Kimmie Meissner in 2006. Her renewed passion for skating was evident in her approach at the Milan Games. “I love the process of creating things,” Liu noted, indicating her desire to express herself through her performances.

As she took to the ice for the free skate, Liu focused on her own journey rather than comparing herself to her competitors. “Whether I beat them or not is not my goal. My goal is just to do my programs and share my story,” she remarked. This mindset shifted the pressure away from her performance, allowing her to skate freely and authentically.

The Stage and the Future

The women’s free skating event highlighted the challenges faced by the American team, as Liu was the only competitor among the U.S. women to finish near the top. Her teammates, Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito, struggled with their routines, finishing in 13th and 8th place, respectively. This left Liu as the last hope for the American contingent, often referred to as the “Blade Angels.”

In her triumphant return to the sport, Liu’s journey has become a testament to resilience and self-empowerment. No longer skating to meet external expectations, she has reclaimed her passion for the sport on her own terms. “Training is my playground. Competition is my guilty pleasure,” she stated, highlighting her transformation from a pressured prodigy to a confident artist on ice.

With her gold medal win, Alysa Liu has not only secured her legacy in American figure skating but has also inspired a new generation of skaters to pursue their passion unapologetically. As the Milan Cortina Games continue, her victory will resonate as a powerful reminder of the strength found in authenticity and love for one’s craft.