2026 Winter Olympics: Alysa Liu's remarkable comeback from early retirement culminates in gold medal triumph
CBS Sports
by
Jasmyn Wimbish
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Alysa Liu made history at the 2026 Winter Olympics by becoming the first American woman to win an individual gold medal in figure skating since 1988. The 20-year-old Oakland native delivered a flawless performance during the women's free skate program, earning a career-best score of 226.79 and securing her place at the top of the podium. Despite starting the day in third place after the short program, Liu’s confident and poised skating to Donna Summer's "MacArthur Park" captivated the audience, leading to her triumphant victory.
Liu’s journey was anything but typical. At just 16 years old, she briefly retired from figure skating due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which closed her local rink and disrupted her training routine. This break allowed her to explore new experiences, including traveling and connecting with family and friends, something she described as a crucial period of self-discovery.
Upon her return in 2024, Liu demonstrated an impressive ability to reclaim her place at the top of the sport. Known for her prodigious talent, she had already achieved remarkable feats, such as becoming the youngest U.S. women's national champion and landing the first quadruple jump by a U.S. female skater in international competition. Her return marked not just a comeback but a reinvention, with her taking creative control over her programs and performances.
Liu’s story is significant for its inspiration and resilience. Overcoming challenges like early retirement and the pressures of elite sports, she showed how determination and adaptability can lead to extraordinary success. Her victory at the Olympics not only highlights her personal achievements but also serves as a motivational narrative for athletes facing their own obstacles, emphasizing the power of perseverance and passion in achieving one’s goals.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/19/2026