American Alysa Liu rides wave of joy to Olympic gold medal - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Thuc Nhi Nguyen

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

American figure skater Alysa Liu made history at the Winter Olympics in Milan by winning the women’s singles gold medal, ending a 20-year drought for the United States in the category. The 20-year-old from Oakland delivered an exceptional performance to “MacArthur Park,” scoring a record-breaking 150.20 points in her free skate—the highest of the season—and clinching the title by a margin of 1.89 points over her Japanese rivals, Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai. Liu’s journey to victory was marked by an unparalleled calmness and confidence, setting her apart from her competitors who were visibly nervous. Despite being in her second Olympics, Liu seemed unfazed by the pressure, even cheering on her teammate during warmups and snapping selfies with her coaches moments before her performance. Her choreographer noted that she approaches the sport with a singular focus: “I got this,” she exudes, embodying a unique blend of joy and determination. Liu’s success is not just about technical skill but also about redefining what it means to be a figure skater. While traditional norms in the sport have often emphasized a specific kind of femininity, Liu has carved her own path with bold fashion choices, including a vibrant hair color and a lip piercing. Her performances, filled with energy and humor, resonate deeply with audiences, as seen when she urged the crowd to “turn up” during her opening message. Her win is significant on multiple levels. Not only did it bring pride to her home country, but it also showcased how modern figure skating can break free from conventional molds. Liu’s ability to stay composed under pressure and her focus on sharing joy rather than just winning medals make her a trailblazer in the sport. This victory not only highlights her individual talent but also opens doors for future skaters to embrace their authenticity, making Liu a truly inspiring

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/19/2026