Alysa Liu released the pressure, reclaimed her joy and turned it into Olympic gold | Bryan Armen Graham

Guardian Sport

by Bryan Armen Graham at the Milano Ice Skating Arena

February 20, 2026

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Alysa Liu, a 20-year-old figure skater from West Oakland, made history by becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the sport since 1998. Her victory at the Milan Olympics was not just a personal triumph but a testament to her unique journey of overcoming burnout and reclaiming her love for skating on her own terms. After stepping away from the sport due to mental exhaustion, Liu returned with a fresh perspective, focusing on her passion for artistry rather than external pressures like scores or placements. Liu’s path to victory wasAnything

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/20/2026