Alysa Liu stole the spotlight at Milano Ice Skating Arena on February 19. The 20-year-old glided onto the ice, every spin and jump executed with breathtaking precision. When the music faded, the scoreboard lit up: 226.79 points. Gold! Her first Olympic medal and the United States’ first women’s singles gold in 24 years was hers. Fans erupted, cheering for a comeback story that had everyone holding their breath. Retired at 16 after Beijing 2022, Alysa returned stronger than ever, proving the world that determination and passion can rewrite destiny.
Alysa Liu's Journey: Stepping Away After Tough Times
At just 16, Alysa Liu faced the biggest stage in skating: the Beijing 2022 Olympics. She finished sixth, short of the podium she had hoped for, and soon after stepped away from the sport. “I’m done for now,” she told 60 Minutes in early 2026. Life outside the rink gave her a fresh perspective. School, friends, and even skiing filled her days, but skating never let go. By 2024, she returned stronger winning World silver that year and then claiming gold in 2025. Her father, Arthur Liu a lawyer and activist from China had guided her early on, but now Alysa makes the decisions with her coaches, Phillip Diuguiamo and Massimo Scali. Her family cheered loudly from the stands in Milan, proud of every twist and jump.
Alysa Liu’s Free Skate Steals the Show
The free skate was pure magic. Alysa, in a sparkling gold gown that shimmered under the arena lights, delivered seven triple jumps and three combos flawlessly to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park Suite.” The crowd was on its feet. She pumped her fist in triumph. That’s what I’m talking about she shouted afterward. Her short program, earlier in a flowing blue dress by Lisa McKinnon, was to Laufey’s Promise. She placed third, but the free skate catapulted her to first, scoring 150.20 points. Judges praised her spins, footwork, and artistry. Season best total: 226.79 points. Joyful hugs with her coaches capped the perfect night.
Alysa Liu took her place on the top step of the Olympic podium and threw both hands in the air.
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) February 19, 2026
The U.S. figure skater who won her first national title at 13 years old, walked away from the sport at 16, came back at 18, became world champion at 19 was now an Olympic gold… pic.twitter.com/dAGbb23Du9
Full Women's Singles Results: 2026 Winter Olympics Standings
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Why Alysa Liu Comeback Inspires Young Skaters Everywhere
For young skaters, Alysa is proof dreams never quit. She found a balance between life and skating, showing it’s possible to excel without burning out. Her half-striped hair added a playful touch to a program full of strategic brilliance. Experts say she’s changing figure skating, prioritizing joy and expression over perfect jumps. CNN remarked, No one skates like her. Videos of her performance are exploding online, with NBC’s full skate racking up millions of views. Fun behind-the-scenes detail her platinum Lady Gaga-inspired dress was tested earlier, but she switched to gold for the finals perfection in every choice.
Family Role in Alysa Liu's Path to 2026 Winter Olympics Glory
Arthur Liu’s story adds another layer to Alysa’s journey. An activist who fled China, he raised Alysa via surrogacy with her mother, Yan Qingxin, supporting her early career. Her siblings remain private but tight-knit, traveling from California to cheer her on. Alysa credits her break from skating for building confidence. Stepping away built me, she said. Now a standout on the U.S. team, she’s locked in as a leader before the Games even began.
A Comeback That Will Be Remembered for Years
Alysa Liu’s gold medal is more than a victory on paper. It’s a story of walking away, finding clarity, and returning stronger. At just 20, she has already experienced the highs of early fame, the courage to step back, and the resilience to rise again. Her journey will be replayed in highlight reels, studied by young skaters, and remembered as the moment U.S. women’s figure skating reclaimed the top of the Olympic podium. Some wins are about points. This one is about growth, belief, and the confidence to write your own timeline.
What's Next After Alysa Liu's Figure Skating Triumph
Gold opens doors for Alysa Liu. Tours, ice shows, and sponsorships are now within reach, and she holds the top spot in the world rankings. Milan Cortina’s Day 13 buzzed with her victory alongside Nordic combined and ski mountaineering events, adding to the excitement of the Games. Her triumph goes beyond a single performance it’s proof that persistence, balance, and passion pay off.
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