Liu wins elusive Olympic women's figure skating gold for U.S. - ESPN

ESPN

by D'Arcy Maine

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Alysa Liu made history at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan by winning the U.S.'s first women's figure skating gold medal in 24 years. Despite strong competition from Japan's Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto, Liu delivered a flawless performance to Donna Summer's "MacArthur Park Suite," showcasing her signature artistry and technical skill. Her score of 150.20 in the free skate shattered her previous season's best, securing her a total score of 226.79 and solidifying her position as the leader. Liu's victory was met with celebration from her coaches and teammates, marking a historic moment for American figure skating. Liu's journey to this win wasAnything beyond her incredible performance, Liu's personal story adds depth to her achievement. At just 13, she became the youngest U.S. national champion in history, winning again at 14 and earning an Olympic berth at 16. However, after struggling with burnout following a sixth-place finish at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and a third-place result at the world championships, she retired from the sport. For two years, she focused on living life as a teenager, pursuing hobbies like hanging out with friends and traveling. Liu's return to figure skating was inspired by a family ski trip that reignited her passion for the sport. She returned to the ice, reuniting with former coaches Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/20/2026