Alysa Liu Wins Historic 2026 Olympic Figure Skating Gold, Ending 24-Year US Drought

Alysa Liu's gold medal score of 226.79 points is the first for a US woman in figure skating in 24 years. This is a huge win for American skating!
By Newsroom | Sports, Winter Olympics |

Alysa Liu has won the Olympic gold medal in women's figure skating at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. This victory marks the first Olympic gold for a U.S. woman in figure skating in 24 years. Liu's performance concluded a lengthy drought for the United States in this discipline, bringing the gold medal home for the first time since the turn of the millennium. The win comes after a period of uncertainty for the skater, including a previous retirement from the sport.

A Champion's Return to the Ice

The atmosphere in the Milano Ice Skating Arena was electric as Alysa Liu took to the ice for her final performance. Skating to a Donna Summer medley, the 20-year-old from Clovis, California, delivered a career-best long program. Her performance was marked by clean execution, including landing all seven of her triple jumps, with three performed in combination. This stellar effort earned her a total score of 226.79 points, securing the top spot on the podium.

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10 Photos of Alysa Lui: Figure Skater Wins First Olympic Gold for US After 24 Years - 1

  • Liu's win ends a 24-year wait for U.S. women's Olympic figure skating gold.

  • Her performance included seven cleanly landed triple jumps, three in combination.

  • She previously retired from the sport but has now returned to claim Olympic victory.

The Competitive Landscape

The path to gold involved strong performances from international rivals. Japan's Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion, secured the silver medal with 224.90 points. Sakamoto, who had indicated these Games would be her final competition, faced some challenges, including errors on her triple flip and triple loop. Japan's Ami Nakai, who led after the short program, finished with the bronze medal, accumulating 219.16 points overall. Nakai, the youngest skater in the competition, made several errors in her free skate, affecting her final standing.

Another U.S. skater, Amber Glenn, finished outside the medal positions. Glenn had a disappointing 13th place in the short program, but her strong free skate ended her Olympic appearance on a positive note. Russian skater Adeliia Petrosian, whose participation had drawn scrutiny due to her coach, did not medal.

Read More: Alysa Liu Wins Historic Olympic Figure Skating Gold for USA After 24 Years

10 Photos of Alysa Lui: Figure Skater Wins First Olympic Gold for US After 24 Years - 2

  • | Skater | Country | Medal | Total Score |

|—-|—-|—-|—-|| Alysa Liu | USA | Gold | 226.79 || Kaori Sakamoto | Japan | Silver | 224.90 || Ami Nakai | Japan | Bronze | 219.16 |

A Near-Perfect Performance

Liu's free skate was nearly flawless. Reports indicate she landed all her planned triple jumps. The only noted error was a hand down on her final jump, a triple loop, and a deduction for movement during her flying camel spin. Despite these minor imperfections, her overall score was sufficient to overtake her competitors. Her jubilant reaction at the end of her program, including an emphatic fist pump, underscored the significance of the moment.

10 Photos of Alysa Lui: Figure Skater Wins First Olympic Gold for US After 24 Years - 3

Team Effort and Individual Triumph

Liu's Olympic success extended beyond the individual event. She was also a key member of the U.S. team that won gold in the team figure skating competition earlier in the Games. This dual victory adds another layer to her historic Olympic appearance.

Read More: Alysa Liu Wins Olympic Figure Skating Gold, Ending 24-Year U.S. Drought in Milan 2026

  • Liu also contributed to the U.S. team's gold medal win.

  • Her performance was set to a Donna Summer medley, and she wore a gold dress.

Overcoming Past Challenges

The journey to this Olympic gold was not straightforward. Alysa Liu had previously stepped away from competitive skating, announcing her retirement and expressing uncertainty about her return. Her comeback signifies a remarkable recovery and a renewed dedication to the sport. While she has not regained her triple axel, she has found clarity in her skating identity and objectives, which have culminated in this significant achievement.

10 Photos of Alysa Lui: Figure Skater Wins First Olympic Gold for US After 24 Years - 4

Expert Perspectives and Key Details

The competition was characterized by high stakes and strong performances. Kaori Sakamoto's final Games ended with a silver medal, a testament to her enduring skill. Ami Nakai's bronze on her Olympic debut is also a notable accomplishment, despite the challenges in her free skate. Liu's strategic approach and consistent technical execution appear to have been instrumental in her victory.

  • Liu's victory has been described as a "career-best long program."

  • Sakamoto's performance was considered her "season best" in the free skate segment, totaling 214.91 points.

Conclusion and Implications

Alysa Liu's Olympic gold medal is a landmark achievement, not only for her personally but for U.S. figure skating. It signals a resurgence for American women in a discipline where the United States had experienced a long medal drought at the Olympic level. Her win is a powerful narrative of resilience, talent, and the pursuit of excellence, showcasing a skater who has overcome significant personal and professional hurdles to reach the pinnacle of her sport.

Read More: Alysa Liu Wins First US Olympic Figure Skating Gold in Milan on February 19 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did Alysa Liu win the gold medal at the 2026 Milan Olympics?
Alysa Liu won the gold medal with a total score of 226.79 points after a strong performance in her free skate, which included seven clean triple jumps.
Q: Why is Alysa Liu's win important for the United States?
This is the first Olympic gold medal for a U.S. woman in figure skating in 24 years, ending a long drought for the country in the sport.
Q: Who were the other medal winners in the women's figure skating competition?
Japan's Kaori Sakamoto won the silver medal with 224.90 points, and Japan's Ami Nakai took the bronze medal with 219.16 points.
Q: Did Alysa Liu have a perfect performance in the free skate?
Her free skate was nearly perfect, with all planned triple jumps landed cleanly. The only noted error was a hand down on her final jump and a deduction for movement during a spin.
Q: Has Alysa Liu won other medals at these Olympics?
Yes, Alysa Liu was also a key member of the U.S. team that won a gold medal in the team figure skating competition earlier in the Games.
Q: What challenges did Alysa Liu overcome to win gold?
Alysa Liu had previously retired from the sport and faced uncertainty about her return. Her comeback and victory show great resilience and dedication.