Alysa Liu Ends 24-Year U.S. Gold Drought with Stunning Olympic Comeback
Alysa Liu’s performance in Milan was more than a victory—it was a statement. After stepping away from figure skating following the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Liu returned with a refreshed mindset and an unshakable joy for the sport. At just 20 years old, she captured the women’s singles gold, the first American to do so since Sarah Hughes in 2002, ending a 24-year drought for Team USA.
Liu’s journey back to the top was anything but conventional. She left competitive skating to pursue life beyond the rink, studying psychology at UCLA, hiking near Mount Everest and skiing to rediscover her love for winter sports. That break, she says, allowed her to focus on artistry rather than results. And it showed. Her free skate, set to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park,” radiated energy, confidence and freedom. She landed seven triple jumps, including a flawless triple lutz-triple toe loop combination—the only triple-triple among the medalists. Small imperfections in her flips did little to deter her and her performance earned a personal best of 226.79 points.
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The competition was fierce. Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion, claimed silver in her final Olympic appearance, while 17-year-old Ami Nakai took bronze after a strong start. Liu didn’t attempt the most technically difficult jumps like the triple axel or quadruple toe loop, but her combination of technical skill and expressive artistry set her apart. She also earned extra points for performing three jumping passes in the second half of her program, demonstrating both stamina and control under pressure.
This gold medal is historic for the U.S., marking the first time in four Winter Games that a Russian woman did not win singles gold and the first American medal in the event since Sasha Cohen in 2006. Liu’s win reflects not just technical excellence, but a philosophical shift in the sport—showing that skating with authenticity and joy can triumph over rigid expectations.
Liu’s impact goes beyond the medal podium. She has redefined what it means to succeed in figure skating, inspiring athletes to prioritize creativity, resilience and personal growth. Her story reminds viewers around the world that taking a step back, finding joy and returning on your own terms can lead to extraordinary achievement.
Stay with us for ongoing coverage of the Milan-Cortina Games, as we continue to follow Alysa Liu’s incredible journey and the wider impact of her groundbreaking victory on the world stage.
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