The women’s figure skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina delivered one of the most compelling stories of the Games, as Alysa Liu completed a remarkable comeback to win the gold medal.
For Liu, the victory marked the culmination of an extraordinary journey—one that included early stardom, a surprising retirement, and a triumphant return to the top of the sport. The 2025 world champion skated with both joy and precision, blending her trademark free-spirited artistry with the technical firepower required to stand atop the Olympic podium.
Her win carries historic significance. Liu became the first American woman to claim Olympic gold in figure skating since Sarah Hughes achieved the feat in 2002, ending a 24-year drought for the United States in the sport’s marquee event.
Liu’s path to Olympic glory has been anything but conventional. A former prodigy, she captured her first U.S. title at just 13 years old and quickly made history as the third American woman to land a triple Axel and the first to land a quadruple jump in competition. At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, she finished sixth—an impressive result, but one that would soon be overshadowed by her stunning decision to step away from the sport at just 16.
Her retirement shocked the skating world. Yet, after more than two years away, Liu felt the pull of the ice once again. Returning on her own terms, she embraced a renewed perspective—prioritizing artistry, self-expression, and personal fulfillment. Less than a year into her comeback, she captured the world title, signaling that her return was not just serious, but potentially historic.
In Milan, that potential became reality. Liu entered the free skate with a narrow margin and delivered when it mattered most, holding off Japan’s decorated veteran Kaori Sakamoto by less than two points. Sakamoto, a three-time world champion, performed a moving routine set to Edith Piaf, showcasing her signature elegance and command. However, a few minor jump errors proved costly in a competition decided by the slimmest of margins.
After the final scores were posted, Sakamoto was seen in tears. Whether it was disappointment in narrowly missing gold or the emotional weight of what may have been her final performance, the moment underscored the intensity and significance of the occasion. She has indicated that this season—and possibly this skate—will mark the end of her competitive career.
The bronze medal went to another Japanese skater, 17-year-old Ami Nakai, who made a memorable Olympic debut. Nakai, the youngest competitor in the field, entered the free skate in first place after a stunning short program. Though she dropped to ninth in the free skate with her “What a Wonderful World” routine, her earlier score cushion was enough to secure her a place on the podium.
But the night belonged to Liu—a skater who redefined her own path and returned stronger than ever. In a sport often defined by rigid expectations and fleeting careers, Liu’s story stands apart. Competing as both an elite athlete and an artist, she delivered not just a gold medal performance, but a powerful reminder that success can be found on one’s own terms.
At Milan Cortina, Alysa Liu didn’t just win—she inspired.
