Milan, Italy – Alysa Liu, just 20 years old, has captured the hearts of the world and secured Olympic gold in women’s figure skating at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games. Her victory on Thursday marks a stunning comeback for the American athlete, who stepped away from the sport at just 16 years old, citing burnout and a desire for a more typical teenage experience. Liu’s performance ended a 20-year Olympic medal drought for the United States in the event, a testament to her resilience and artistry on the ice.
Liu’s journey is far from conventional. After a meteoric rise that saw her become the youngest U.S. National champion at age 13, landing a rare triple axel, she unexpectedly retired from competition. Now, two years after returning to the sport, she’s not only back on top but is also openly discussing the importance of mental health and prioritizing well-being, hoping to inspire others facing similar pressures. “I think my story’s more important than anything to me,” Liu said, according to reports from the Games. “That’s what I hold dear, and this journey has been incredible.”
The Californian skater’s gold medal performance came after a free skate set to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park Suite” at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. She secured the win with a less than two-point lead over Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion, who took silver. Ami Nakai of Japan earned the bronze medal, according to NBC Olympics.
A Brief Hiatus, A World Championship, and Now Olympic Glory
Liu’s path back to the Olympic podium was anything but straightforward. After leaving the sport, she focused on experiencing life as a teenager, obtaining her driver’s license, traveling, and attending concerts. She returned to training for the 2024-2025 season and immediately made an impact, shocking the figure skating world by winning the world championship title, defeating the then-reigning champion Sakamoto. This victory set the stage for her triumphant return to the Olympics.
Her first Olympic experience in Beijing in 2022 was disrupted by a positive COVID-19 test, forcing her to miss the U.S. Trials but still earning her a spot on the team where she finished sixth. Following the Games, she won a bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships, marking the first U.S. Women’s medal in the event since 2016. However, it was shortly after this achievement that she announced her initial retirement.
Liu credits her time away from the sport, and particularly studying psychology, with helping her rediscover her passion and approach competition with a healthier mindset. “Honestly, it was more than just operate, it was experience,” she stated after winning her second gold of the Milan-Cortina Games, having also contributed to the US team title defense. “The last time I was skating, it was so rough… studying psychology has really helped. I love psychology.”
The Daughter of a Refugee, A Champion for Mental Health
Born to a Chinese political refugee, Liu began skating at the age of five, quickly dedicating her life to the sport. She has been remarkably candid about the pressures she faced as a young prodigy. Her willingness to discuss her struggles with burnout and mental health has resonated with many, and she hopes to use her platform to raise awareness about these issues. “I hope with all this attention I can raise awareness about mental health in sports, and mental health more generally,” Liu said.
Liu’s approach to competition is notably different from many of her peers. She emphasizes enjoying the performance and connecting with the audience, rather than solely focusing on the outcome. “I really don’t perceive nervous. I don’t feel the pressure,” she explained before the short program in Milan. “There’s nothing holding me down or holding me back. I invite it all in. So, no matter what happens, it’s a story.”
Her unique style was on full display at the Games, from her “Halo” streaked hairstyle to her electrifying performances. She opened the competition by helping the U.S. Defend its team title and then placed third in the short program, setting the stage for her gold-medal-winning free skate.
As Liu looks ahead, she acknowledges the challenges of navigating newfound fame, jokingly suggesting she might wear wigs to avoid attention. However, her primary focus remains on inspiring others and fostering human connection. “All I want in my life is human connection and, damn, now I am connected with a hell of a ton of people,” she said.
Alysa Liu’s story is a powerful reminder that success is not always linear and that prioritizing mental health is crucial, even – and especially – at the highest levels of competition. Her impact extends beyond the ice, offering a message of hope and resilience to athletes and individuals alike. The next step for Liu will be navigating her newfound celebrity and continuing to advocate for mental health awareness within the world of sports.
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