Key Highlights
- Alysa Liu wins Olympic gold in women’s singles at 2026 Milan Cortina Games.
- Liu becomes the first U.S. woman to win Olympic singles gold since 2002.
- Liu returns from a two-season absence and lands an almost flawless free skate.
- Sakamoto wins silver, while Nakai takes bronze in the women’s singles competition.
The Journey of Alysa Liu: From Retirement to Olympic Glory
It’s 2026, and Alysa Liu is back on ice. She’s been away for almost two years, choosing freedom over a sport that had consumed her life. Yet, the moment she steps onto the rink in Milan-Cortina, she’s as if she’d never left.
The Return
In 2024, Liu retired from figure skating. She hated the sport, felt stuck, and yearned for freedom. But something changed.
She returned to competition in September of that year, and her comeback is nothing short of remarkable. In just over a year, she’s not only back on the ice but also winning gold at the Olympics.
“The journey,” Liu said with a grin. “I love it.”
The Free Skate
Liu’s free skate in the women’s singles competition is almost flawless. She lands a triple jump, executes her spins and gestures with perfect form. Her dress sparkles as she glides across the ice, embodying the joy of skating that had once eluded her.
“I’m really grateful that I got the chance to showcase my art and my ideas,” Liu said after her performance. “This is what I’ve always wanted.”
The Competition
Amy Nakai of Japan and Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion from Japan, are the main contenders. Sakamoto makes a costly mistake, falling on a triple flip, which costs her a gold medal finish. Nakai, at 17, also stumbles but still manages to secure bronze.
Liu’s consistency is key.
She finishes in third place after the short program and first after the free skate, with two women yet to compete. She sits, grinning as usual, happy and confident.
A New Era
The 2026 Milan Cortina Games mark a new chapter for figure skating. Liu’s victory is a testament to her resilience and dedication. Her journey from retirement to Olympic gold tells a story of personal growth and the joy of skating that transcends competition.
“Winning isn’t all that, and neither is losing,” Liu said. “These titles are huge, but I don’t want them to overshadow who I am.”
In the end, it’s not just about the medals.
It’s about the journey, the artistry, and the joy of skating. Alysa Liu has shown us that even after a long absence, one can return and reclaim the sport they love.
