Alysa Liu just made history at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The 20-year-old from the US took home the gold medal in women’s figure skating on February 19 in Milan, Italy. It’s the first time an American woman has won this event in 24 yearsโsince Sarah Hughes back in 2002.
Liu skated last in the free skate program. She looked so happy and free on the ice. No stress, just pure joy. She danced to Donna Summerโs โMacArthur Park.โ Her jumps were big and clean. She mixed power with grace. The crowd loved it. When she finished her last spin in a shiny gold dress, she grinned big, waved, flicked her ponytail, and bowed like she was having the best time.
She started third after the short program. But her free skate was strong enough to push her to the top. Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto got silver, and Ami Nakai took bronze. Liu’s total score beat them out. She hugged Nakai tight right after the results came up. On the podium, she looked surprised, mouthing โWhat the heck?โ while tucking cute mascot toys with her medal.
This win means a lot because of Liu’s story. She was a skating star young. She won US Nationals at 13 and medaled at Worlds in 2022. But at 16 she stepped away. The pressure was too much. She didn’t feel like she chose skating for herself. She tried other thingsโkaraoke, video games, college, fashion, piercings, art, music, even psychology.
Then she came back on her own terms. She wanted fun and self-expression. She won Worlds in 2025. Now at 20 she’s an Olympic champ. She also helped Team USA win gold in the team event earlier.
Liu talked about pressure in a fun way. โYouโre going to have to explain to me what Olympic pressure is. Like, whoโs giving it? Whatโs the pressure?โ She said she didn’t need a medal to feel good. โIf I fell on every jump, I would still be out there wearing this dress, so no matter what, I was all good.โ
After her win, she took a victory lap with the American flag. She chatted with teammates and smiled at cameras. Her light-hearted way made the moment special. No big tearsโjust real happiness.
This gold ends a long wait for US fans in women’s singles skating. Liu is now a big name. People call her fearless and joyful. She’s the face of US figure skating now.
Fans online are excited. Videos of her skate are everywhere. People love how she skated without fear. It’s inspiring for young skaters.
Liu’s journey shows you can step away, find yourself, and come back stronger. She proved it’s okay to do things your way. What a moment for her and Team USA! This Olympics keeps giving us great stories.