US Women's Hockey and Alysa Liu Aim for Gold Medals at 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan

The US women's hockey team is playing Canada for gold, and Alysa Liu is in third place for figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
By Newsroom | Sports, Winter Olympics |

MILAN CORTINA, Italy – The 2026 Winter Olympics are nearing their conclusion, with American athletes facing significant medal opportunities. The U.S. women's hockey team is set to compete for gold against longtime rival Canada, while figure skater Alysa Liu is in contention for a medal following a strong performance in the short program.

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Key Contests and Performances

The focus on Thursday's events includes the women's ice hockey gold medal game, a speedskating final, and the women's figure skating free skate. Earlier in the week, the U.S. women's hockey team secured their spot in the final by defeating Sweden with a decisive 5-0 victory in the semifinals. In figure skating, Alysa Liu's performance in the short program placed her third, positioning her for a potential medal in the upcoming free skate.

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U.S. Women's Hockey Aims for Gold

The U.S. women's national hockey team has advanced to the gold medal game, where they will face Canada. This matchup marks a recurring rivalry in the sport's Olympic history, with the United States and Canada having met in seven previous gold medal games. The U.S. team has shown a dominant performance throughout the tournament, culminating in their semifinal shutout of Sweden.

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  • Semifinal Victory: The U.S. defeated Sweden 5-0.

  • Final Opponent: Canada.

  • Historical Context: This is a repeated final matchup in the history of women's Olympic hockey.

Alysa Liu's Figure Skating Bid for a Medal

Alysa Liu, returning to Olympic competition, has positioned herself for a medal in the women's figure skating event. Following the short program, Liu ranked third, with a score of 76.59. This performance sets a positive tone heading into the free skate. Other American skaters, including [Note: Information on other skaters like Levito and Glenn is present but less central to the main narrative of U.S. medal contention in this context. Could be a separate section if depth is required.], also competed, with varying degrees of success.

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  • Liu's Standing: Third place after the short program.

  • Score: 76.59.

  • Implication: Strong potential for a medal.

Broader Olympic Schedule and Medal Opportunities

Beyond hockey and figure skating, other events are scheduled. The women's bronze medal ice hockey game will feature Switzerland against Sweden. Curling events are also ongoing, with the U.S. women's team facing Canada in round-robin play. The inclusion of these diverse sports highlights the breadth of competition at the Winter Games.

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  • Bronze Medal Hockey: Switzerland vs. Sweden.

  • Curling: U.S. vs. Canada (round robin).

Expert Insights

The recurring final between the U.S. and Canada in women's hockey is described as a "highly-anticipated rematch between perennial powerhouses." This suggests a high level of skill and intensity expected in the gold medal game. Alysa Liu's "tremendous performance" in the short program indicates she is a strong contender in her figure skating discipline.

Conclusion and Implications

The 2026 Winter Olympics are approaching a peak for American medal prospects. The U.S. women's hockey team is on the cusp of potentially winning gold in a historically significant matchup against Canada. Simultaneously, figure skater Alysa Liu has demonstrated the capability to secure a medal, based on her third-place finish in the short program. The outcomes of these events will be crucial in defining the United States' success in these disciplines at the Milan Cortina Games.

Read More: Canada Curling Team Loses to Norway 8-6 and Faces Them Again in Olympic Semifinal

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the US women's hockey team win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan?
The US women's hockey team will play Canada for the gold medal. They won their semifinal game against Sweden with a score of 5-0, showing they are a strong team. This game is a big rivalry for both countries.
Q: Can Alysa Liu win a medal in figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Yes, Alysa Liu is in a good position to win a medal. She is currently in third place after the short program with a score of 76.59. She will compete in the free skate to try and secure a medal.
Q: Who else is playing for a medal in women's hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Switzerland will play Sweden for the bronze medal in women's hockey. This game will happen after the gold medal game between the US and Canada.
Q: What other events are happening at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan?
The curling events are also happening. The US women's curling team will play against Canada in a round-robin game. Other speed skating and figure skating events are also taking place.