Milan, Italy – Alysa Liu, at 20 years old, has secured the gold medal in women’s singles figure skating at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, marking the first U.S. Women’s singles gold in over two decades. Her victory, finalized on Thursday with a combined score of 226.79, represents a stunning comeback for the American skater, who briefly retired from the sport at just 16 years old after competing in the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Liu’s journey to the podium has been anything but conventional. Following her performance in Beijing, she stepped away from competitive skating, enrolling in college and pursuing other interests. However, she returned to the ice during the 2024-25 season, quickly regaining her form and ultimately claiming the world title last March. This Olympic gold adds another chapter to her inspiring story of resilience and dedication. The win also follows a gold medal in the team event earlier in these Olympics, solidifying a standout showing for Liu in Milan.
A Comeback Driven by Performance and Connection
Unlike her previous approach to competition, Liu has emphasized performing for the audience rather than solely focusing on judges’ scores. This shift in mindset was particularly evident during her Olympic short program, where she focused on connecting with her four younger siblings, who were in attendance. “I performed to the people and, like, they’re right there, so I performed to them specifically,” Liu said, according to NBC Olympics. She described a renewed sense of joy in her skating, stating she is “just being Alysa 2.0, who appears to take pleasure in everything that happens given that she is in charge of the updated version of herself.”
Her short program, set to Laufey’s “Promise,” resonated deeply with Liu, touching on themes of navigating a complex relationship with figure skating itself. The lyrics, which explore the difficulty of distancing oneself from a past connection, mirrored Liu’s own experience with the sport. She has used the program since her comeback, and it consistently evokes strong emotion, often bringing her to tears upon completion. She achieved her highest score for the program, 76, during the Olympic performance.
Geopolitical Context and Comparisons to Eileen Gu
Liu’s success has, however, been intertwined with broader geopolitical narratives. She and freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who competes for China, have found themselves subject to unwanted comparisons, as noted by NBC News. Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-Wash.) highlighted the contrast, sparking a debate that sociologist Christina Chin described as a “’who’s a good Asian, who’s a bad Asian’ question.” Chin, a professor at Cal State Fullerton, pointed out the tendency to compare athletes based on their national affiliation, despite the complex factors influencing their decisions. Gu, born and raised in California, chose to compete under the flag of the People’s Republic of China, winning two golds and a silver at the previous Winter Games and two silvers in Milan.
The situation highlights the increasing intersection of sports and international relations, particularly concerning athletes with dual citizenship or complex family ties. Gu’s decision to represent China has been a source of ongoing discussion, while Liu’s victory is being celebrated as a triumph for American athletics. The dynamic underscores the sensitivities surrounding national identity and representation in the global sporting arena.
Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto (224.90) and Ami Nakai (219.16) rounded out the podium, earning silver and bronze medals respectively. Team USA also saw a strong performance from Isabeau Levito, who finished 12th and Amber Glenn, who placed fifth after leading the free skate.
As Alysa Liu celebrates her gold medal, her story serves as an inspiration for athletes and individuals alike. Her journey demonstrates the power of perseverance, self-discovery, and the pursuit of passion. The next steps for Liu remain to be seen, but her impact on the world of figure skating is already undeniable.
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