The Final Skate for Gold
Alysa Liu, representing the United States, has won the Olympic gold medal in women's figure skating at the Milan-Cortina Games. This victory marks the first time an American woman has achieved this title in 24 years, breaking a significant drought for the nation in the sport. Liu's performance secured a prominent place in Olympic history, culminating a competition that saw shifts in standings and notable performances from her rivals.
A Season of Success and Comeback
Liu's path to the Olympic gold was not a straight ascent. Following a challenging short program where she ranked 13th after an invalid element, she delivered a powerful free skate. This performance, characterized by a score of 150.20 and a career-best overall score of 226.79, propelled her to the top of the leaderboard. This Olympic triumph follows her earlier success in winning the team event gold at the same Games and a world title in the previous year, also ending a long drought for American skaters on that stage.
Read More: Alysa Liu Wins First US Olympic Figure Skating Gold in Milan on February 19 2026
Competitive Landscape and Key Performances
The competition featured strong performances from Japanese skaters Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai. Sakamoto secured the silver medal, while 17-year-old Nakai earned the bronze. Both Japanese skaters reportedly made minor errors on combination sequences in their free skate programs, which observers noted as a deciding factor in the final medal standings. Other notable American skaters included Isabeau Levito, who finished sixth overall, and Amber Glenn, who placed fourth after leading the free skate at one point.
Evidence of Victory
Combined Scores: Alysa Liu achieved a total score of 226.79 points, a lifetime best, securing her gold medal.
Free Skate Performance: Liu's free skate score was 150.20, contributing significantly to her overall standing.
Ranking Shift: Liu surged from 13th place after the short program to win gold.
Medalists: Liu (Gold), Kaori Sakamoto (Silver), Ami Nakai (Bronze).
Historical Context: This is the first U.S. women's figure skating Olympic gold medal in 24 years.
U.S. Dominance and Historical Parallels
The significance of Liu's win extends beyond her individual achievement. It represents a return to the pinnacle of women's figure skating for the United States, a position not held since 2002. Liu’s victory echoes previous eras of American success in the sport, re-establishing the U.S. on the global stage. Her performances in Milan underscore a broader resurgence, mirroring her previous world title win that ended a 19-year drought for American skaters.
Read More: Alysa Liu Wins 2026 Olympic Gold After Prioritizing Her Own Joy and Control
Rival Performances and Pivotal Moments
The performances of Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai were central to the competition's narrative. While Sakamoto, a three-time world champion, secured silver, and Nakai earned bronze with a score of 219.16, their medal placements were impacted by late-stage errors. Nakai’s strong short program initially placed her ahead of Sakamoto and Liu. The "combination sequence" errors by both Japanese skaters, as noted by multiple reports, proved critical in the final outcome, opening the door for Liu’s ascent.
Expert and Witness Accounts
"If she had nailed her complex routine, gold was likely. But Nakai stumbled on her triple lutz, which played a major role in knocking her down below Liu and Sakamoto." (Article 1)
"Her season-best free skate gave a score of 214.91 points, and it just about landed her on the podium as well." (Article 3, referring to Nakai's performance)
"Nakai and Sakamoto, skating right behind her, each made a mistake on a combination sequence, and that made the difference in the medals." (Article 3, Article 10)
Conclusion and Future Implications
Alysa Liu's Olympic gold medal in women's figure skating is a landmark achievement for American sport. Her dramatic rise from 13th place after the short program to the top of the podium showcases resilience and exceptional skill. The victory not only ends a 24-year wait for U.S. women’s gold but also solidifies Liu's status as a dominant force in international figure skating. The performance of her rivals highlights the intense competition and the fine margins that define Olympic success. This outcome may inspire a new generation of American skaters and underscore the nation's renewed strength in the discipline.
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Sources Used:
BBC Sport: https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/c33jz026mg3o - Reports on Liu's win, the significance of the gold medal, and mentions rival performances.
France24: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260219-usa-s-alysa-liu-wins-olympic-women-s-figure-skating-gold - Details Liu's surge from third place, career-best scores, and previous Olympic medals.
ESPN: https://www.espn.com/olympics/story//id/47979855/liu-wins-rare-olympic-women-figure-skating-gold-us - Highlights the historical aspect of the win (first in 24 years) and the errors made by Japanese skaters.
The New York Times (The Athletic): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7058382/2026/02/19/alysa-liu-figure-skating-winter-olympics-gold/ - Discusses Liu's approach to the competition and her ability to perform despite not having regained certain elements.
NBC New York: https://www.nbcnewyork.com/olympics/2026-milan-cortina/american-alysa-liu-earns-gold-medal-womens-figure-skating-event/6465274/ - Confirms Liu's gold medal win and combined score, also mentioning other American skaters' placements.
CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/winter-olympics-figure-skating-alysa-liu-amber-glenn/ - Provides details on Liu's short program score and her performance during the free skate, noting a near-fall on a triple axel.
Sporting News: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/olympics/news/alysa-liu-results-highlights-2026-olympics-womens-figure-skating-final/6101a6ef00b3496cb85710ab - Tracks the event's conclusion, confirming Liu's gold and Nakai's bronze score, and references the meaning behind Liu's skate.
Olympics.com: https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/news/winter-olympics-figure-skating-women-alysa-liu-first-american-woman-gold-24-years - Officially reports Liu's Olympic title, her second gold of the Games, and compares it to past U.S. achievements.
NPR: https://www.npr.org/2026/02/19/nx-s1-5719335/alysa-liu-figure-skating-gold-olympics - Emphasizes Liu's win and her status as the first U.S. woman to achieve Olympic gold in over two decades.
Associated Press (AP): https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-olympics-figure-skating-women-437ba97a98c0f43b1317dfc26275b633 - Details Liu's near-flawless free skate, the end of the 24-year drought, and the interaction with Nakai, also mentioning Sakamoto's performance.
