Alysa Liu Wins Olympic Women’s Figure Skating Gold, First for U.S. Since 2002

Alysa Liu of the United States, who stepped away from skating because of burnout, climbed to the top of the Olympic podium with a comeback gold in women’s figure skating singles at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

Liu won the free skate on Feb. 20 (Korean time) at the Milan Ice Skating Arena in Italy, scoring 150.20 points for a total of 226.79. After placing third in the short program, she delivered a clean free skate to move into first.

It was the first Olympic gold for an American in women’s singles since Sarah Hughes at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, ending a 24-year drought.

Liu emerged early as a U.S. figure skating standout. In 2019, at age 13 years, 5 months, she won the U.S. championships to become the youngest champion in event history. In 2018, she drew attention by landing a triple axel in international competition.

She placed sixth at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and third at the world championships later that year, but announced a sudden retirement at age 16, citing burnout. She then focused on school and took time away before announcing her return in 2024.

After coming back, Liu skated with a looser style, winning the 2025 world championships and the 2025-2026 International Skating Union Grand Prix Final in succession.

In Milan, she again looked unburdened as she won over the crowd. After clinching gold, Liu said, “I did the things people told me not to do,” adding, “I hope my story can inspire many people.”

* This article has been translated by AI.

Jang Suna sunrise@ajunews.com