Alysa Liu's Olympic Gold: USA Ends 24-Year Figure Skating Drought

The roar of the crowd, the glint of the ice, and a moment etched into history. At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Alysa Liu didn't just win a medal; she rekindled a flame that had flickered for over two decades. Her breathtaking performance in the Free Skating competition not only earned her Olympic gold but also triumphantly ended a 24-year drought for American women in figure skating, a wait that stretched back to Sarah Hughes's stunning victory in Salt Lake City.

Liu's journey to the top of the podium was a testament to resilience, artistry, and an unwavering spirit, culminating in a long program that showcased the very essence of competitive figure skating. Her victory wasn't merely a personal achievement; it was a beacon of hope for American figure skating, inspiring a new generation to dream of Olympic glory in the challenging yet beautiful discipline of the free skate.

A Glimmer of Gold: Liu's Electrifying Free Skating Performance

The atmosphere in Milan was electric as Alysa Liu took to the ice for the women's Free Skating competition. Entering the final segment in third place, she faced formidable competition from Japan's Ami Nakai, who held a slim two-point lead, and Kaori Sakamoto, less than a point ahead. The stage was set for a dramatic showdown, and Liu, skating out of Oakland's St. Moritz Ice Skating Club, was ready to rewrite history.

Liu's short program two days prior had already signaled her intent, delivering a pristine 76.59 – a career-best under immense Olympic pressure. It was technically flawless, impeccably clean, and deeply personal. But it was in the long program, the free skate, where she truly soared. Dazzling the judges and the global audience, Liu scored a season-best 150.20, propelling her to a total score of 226.79. This commanding performance put her in first place, but the agony of waiting began as Nakai and Sakamoto still had to perform. The tension was palpable, a testament to the high stakes of Olympic figure skating.

In a nail-biting conclusion, Liu's score held up against her Japanese rivals' efforts, solidifying her gold medal and ending the United States' long wait for a women's figure skating champion. Not since Sarah Hughes's incredible upset in 2002 had an American woman claimed Olympic gold, and the last to medal was Sasha Cohen with a silver in 2006. Liu's triumph was more than a medal; it was a return to prominence for American women on the world's biggest skating stage.

The Art and Science of the Free Skating Program

To truly appreciate Alysa Liu's victory, it's essential to understand the demands of the Free Skating program, often referred to as the "long program." This segment is the pinnacle of individual competition, skated after the short program, and is where skaters have the greatest opportunity to showcase their technical prowess and artistic expression. For senior skaters like Liu, the free skate lasts four minutes, a grueling test of endurance, precision, and performance.

Duration and Elements: Unlike the short program with its strict requirements, the free skate allows for more freedom in choreographing jumps, spins, step sequences, and transitions. However, the International Skating Union (ISU) still mandates that the program be "well-balanced" and include a specific number of various elements to ensure fairness and challenge.
Scoring: The scoring system for the free skate is divided into two main components: the Technical Element Score (TES) and the Program Component Score (PCS). The TES rewards the difficulty and execution of jumps, spins, and sequences, while the PCS evaluates the skater's artistry, interpretation, performance, and overall composition. Liu's high scores in both areas underscored her mastery.
Music and Expression: Since the 2014-2015 season, vocal music with lyrics has been permitted, adding another layer of storytelling and emotional connection to the performance. Skaters must choose music that not only complements their style but also allows them to express their unique artistic vision, transforming athletic feats into captivating art.

For aspiring skaters aiming for Olympic glory, mastering the free skate requires years of dedication. It's not just about landing jumps; it's about connecting every movement, conveying emotion, and maintaining peak physical condition for four demanding minutes. Stamina, musicality, and relentless practice are key to developing a captivating and high-scoring long program.

Want to dive deeper into the specific regulations and elements that make up this crucial segment? Explore Free Skate Decoded: Essential Rules of Olympic Figure Skating's Long Program to understand the intricacies behind every spin and jump.

From Prodigy to Resilient Champion: Alysa's Evolution

Alysa Liu's gold medal in Milan is a story not just of talent, but of profound resilience and personal growth. Her journey has been anything but linear, mirroring the pressures and pitfalls often faced by young prodigies in elite sports. Liu burst onto the scene, becoming the youngest U.S. champion in history at a mere 13 years old. She was quickly dubbed the "next in line" of American figure skating royalty, following in the illustrious footsteps of Kristi Yamaguchi, Michelle Kwan, and Tara Lipinski.

By the time she qualified for the 2022 Beijing Olympics at 16, expectations were immense. Despite a respectable sixth-place finish, the intense spotlight and demands took their toll. Liu, openly admitting to feeling burned out, briefly retired after the 2022 Games. "I really despised skating," she revealed, choosing to enroll at UCLA to study psychology, seeking a life beyond the ice. This period of reflection was crucial, allowing her to gain perspective and rediscover her passion on her own terms. "Through time, I realized it doesn't have to be like that," she reflected.

Her return to skating in 2024 marked a significant turning point. Last year, she became the first American woman to win a world title since Kimmie Meissner in 2006, signaling her triumphant comeback. In Milan, Liu arrived not as a pressured prodigy but as a seasoned artist, her performances imbued with a newfound maturity and joy. Her ability to overcome the mental and physical challenges of elite sport makes her Olympic victory even more poignant, inspiring countless athletes to prioritize their well-being while pursuing their dreams.

Learn more about her incredible journey back from the brink in Alysa Liu's Comeback: From Burnout to Olympic Free Skate Gold, a deeper dive into her mental fortitude and transformation.

Team USA's Collective Triumph and Individual Brilliance

Alysa Liu's individual gold medal in the Free Skating event was the culmination of a successful Olympic campaign for Team USA. Earlier in the 2026 Games, Liu played a pivotal role in securing Olympic gold for the United States in the team event. Finishing second in the short program behind Kaori Sakamoto, she anchored a collective triumph that set a positive tone for the entire figure skating contingent. "I really loved doing the team event," she stated, emphasizing that "The Olympic team felt a little different and really special."

The anticipation surrounding Team USA's "Blade Angels" was high, with hopes that at least one of them would reach the podium in the women's singles event. Liu's powerful showing in both the short program and the long program ultimately solidified her position, bringing glory not just to herself but to the entire American delegation. Her ability to deliver under pressure, first for her team and then as an individual, highlights her incredible versatility and mental toughness.

A Golden Future for American Figure Skating

Alysa Liu's Olympic gold in the Free Skating competition at the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics is far more than just a medal. It represents the end of a long and challenging drought for American women's figure skating, a resurgence of national pride, and a powerful testament to personal perseverance. From her early days as a phenom to her battle with burnout and triumphant return, Liu has captivated the world with her journey. Her technical brilliance combined with a captivating artistry in the demanding long program has set a new standard.

Her victory is a beacon of inspiration, not only for young skaters dreaming of Olympic glory but for anyone facing their own challenges. Alysa Liu has proven that with passion, resilience, and a renewed love for the craft, even the longest waits can end in the most spectacular of triumphs, ushering in a golden era for American figure skating.