In a stunning climax to the women's figure skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics, American skater Alysa Liu has captured the gold medal, delivering a career-defining performance that ended a 24-year drought for Team USA. Skating to the disco rhythms of Donna Summer's "MacArthur Park," the 20-year-old from California rose from third place after the short program to overtake defending world champion Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, securing her place in history alongside Sarah Hughes as the only American women to win Olympic gold in the 21st century.

A Golden Comeback at the Milano Ice Skating Arena

The atmosphere inside the Milano Ice Skating Arena in Assago was electric as Liu took the ice for the free skate. Having retired from the sport at age 16 following the 2022 Beijing Games, Liu's return to competition in March 2024 was viewed by many as a long shot. Yet, on Thursday night in Milan, that gamble paid off in spectacular fashion. Liu posted a massive free skate score of 150.20, bringing her total to 226.79.

Her routine was a masterclass in joy and technical precision, featuring a soaring triple Axel and seven flawless triple jumps. Unlike the stoic intensity often seen in high-stakes competition, Liu beamed throughout her step sequence, feeding off the crowd's energy. "I just can't process this. There's no way," Liu was heard telling her coaches, Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali, in the kiss-and-cry area as her scores flashed across the screen, guaranteeing her a spot on the podium.

Alysa Liu vs. Kaori Sakamoto: A Duel for the Ages

The battle for gold was widely expected to be a showdown between the powerhouse Japanese team and the resurgent Americans. Kaori Sakamoto, the three-time reigning world champion and favorite for the title, skated immediately after Liu. While Sakamoto delivered her trademark powerful gliding and deep edges, a costly step-out on a triple flip combination left the door open.

Sakamoto scored 146.12 in the free skate, finishing with a total of 224.90—less than two points behind Liu. The bronze medal went to Japan's rising star Ami Nakai, who scored 219.16. The result mirrored the upset victory of Sarah Hughes in 2002, who also climbed from a non-leading position to snatch gold from a favored rival.

Team USA's Strong Showing

While Liu claimed the headlines, her teammate Amber Glenn provided one of the night's most emotional storylines. After a disastrous short program left her in 13th place, Glenn rallied with the third-best free skate of the night, catapulting herself to a commendable 5th place finish. Meanwhile, Isabeau Levito finished 12th after struggling with jump landings. In a touching moment of sportsmanship, it was Glenn who rushed to the boards to lift Liu's hand in victory when the final results were confirmed.

Ending the USA Figure Skating Drought

Liu’s victory marks a significant milestone for USA figure skating in 2026. Since Sarah Hughes stunned the world at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002, no American woman had stood atop the Olympic podium in the singles event. Greats like Sasha Cohen, Gracie Gold, and Ashley Wagner came close, but the top prize remained elusive against the rise of Russian and Japanese dominance.

This win validates Liu's unconventional path. By prioritizing her mental health and stepping away from the rink for two full years, she returned with a refreshed perspective that evidently fueled her performance. Her Milan-Cortina Olympic results will likely be remembered not just for the medal, but for the healthy, sustainable approach to the sport that she represents.

2026 Winter Olympics Figure Skating Highlights

The women's event concluded the individual figure skating disciplines in Milan, capping off a successful games for the American squad. Liu's gold adds to the Team Event gold the U.S. secured earlier in the games.

  • Gold: Alysa Liu (USA) - 226.79
  • Silver: Kaori Sakamoto (JPN) - 224.90
  • Bronze: Ami Nakai (JPN) - 219.16

As the American anthem played and the flag was raised, Liu sang along, a broad smile on her face—the new face of women's figure skating champions. Her journey from prodigy to retiree to Olympic Champion is a testament to resilience and the power of skating on one's own terms.