Key Highlights
- Alysa Liu wins women’s Olympic gold in 2026, becoming the first American champion since Sarah Hughes in 2002.
- Kaori Sakamoto takes silver, ending her career with a strong performance but missing out on an Olympic title.
- Ami Nakai earns bronze for Japan in a standout debut campaign as the youngest competitor.
- American Amber Glenn has a remarkable comeback after a tough short program, finishing fifth.
Liu’s Remarkable Comeback
You might think this is new, but… it’s not. Alysa Liu has been on an incredible journey in figure skating. Her path to Olympic gold was anything but smooth.
In 2022, she quit the sport at 16 after missing out on a medal in Beijing. Now, just four years later, she’s back with a bang.
Liu came into the free skate in third place following some errors in the short program. But her performance was anything but ordinary.
She wore a sparkly gold dress and performed to Donna Summer, scoring 150.20—staggering. Her overall score of 226.79 put her at the top, narrowly beating Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto.
Sakamoto’s Farewell
For Kaori Sakamoto, it was a bittersweet moment. She ended her stellar career in silver. Sakamoto, who is retiring aged 25, won three world titles and bronze at the last Olympics.
Her final performance to Non, je ne regrette rien by Edith Piaf was emotional. She wept as she left the ice but looked delighted with another major honour.
“I wasn’t able to give absolutely everything,” Sakamoto admitted. “The frustration of not being able to win it is really hitting me right now. Still, I think feeling this way will be important for the rest of my life.” Her words echo the bittersweet nature of her farewell.
Nakai’s Debut Glory
Ami Nakai ended a phenomenal debut campaign with an Olympic medal. The youngest skater in the competition, she stormed to the top after a strong short program. She opened her free skate with a triple axel and even though she stumbled on her lutz, she finished fifth overall.
Her performance was marked by confidence and skill.
Nakai’s triple axel has become her trademark now. Despite missing out on a medal, her body language reflected the joy of bringing her best to the Olympic stage. She punched the air at the conclusion of her routine, showing her satisfaction with how she performed.
Glenn’s Comeback
American Amber Glenn had an all-time great comeback. After a disastrous short program that left her in tears and 13th place, she attacked her free skate with determination. She included a triple axel to start then a complex triple loop and double axel sequence.
Despite missing out on a medal, her body language spoke volumes—she was pleased to have brought her best.
Glenn is open about her bisexuality and criticism of the USA president, Donald Trump. Her performance was not just a comeback but also a statement of resilience in the face of adversity.
Petrosian’s Disappointment
Much like Glenn, Russian champion Adeliia Petrosian aimed to prove herself at Milan-Cortina 2026. But her medal hopes were dashed on her first routine when she attempted a quad toe loop but fell. If she had nailed it, gold was likely.
Instead, Petrosian’s performance left her stony faced as she missed the podium.
The teenager is under the tutelage of controversial Eteri Tutberidze, who coached Kamila Valieva at the last Olympics. Petrosian’s fall underscores the pressure and expectations that come with such high-level competition.
