Alysa Liu claimed the gold medal in women’s figure skating singles at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, delivering the United States its first victory in the discipline in 24 years.02
Liu posted 150.20 points in the free skate at Milan’s Skating Arena on February 20 (Korean time), securing a total score of 226.79 for the top spot.18
The win breaks a long wait since Sarah Hughes triumphed at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.5
Prodigy to Olympic Champion
Liu shattered U.S. records early on. At age 12, she won the 2018 U.S. Junior Nationals. The following year, at 13 years and five months, she captured the senior nationals as the youngest champion ever, dubbed a ‘genius girl.’
Intense pressure led to a stress injury and burnout diagnosis at 17 in 2022, resulting in sudden retirement after major competitions.
After prioritizing studies, Liu returned stronger in 2024. She dominated the 2025 U.S. senior nationals and earned a spot in the 2025-2026 ISU Grand Prix Final, setting sights on Olympic gold.
Diverse Family Roots
Born to a father of Chinese descent who immigrated to the U.S. and later married a white woman, Liu is the third of five children—two boys and three girls—conceived via surrogate.
Viral Moment Captures Hearts
Liu nailed her free skate routine and flashed a grin at the camera, exclaiming ‘That’s all there is to it!’ The candid reaction exploded online, winning over American fans despite its cheeky vibe.
Social media lit up with reactions like ‘Ultimate coolest girl,’ ‘Best comeback,’ ‘Perfect execution,’ ‘My lifetime best pick,’ ‘True champion,’ and ‘U.S. pride.’
Afterward, Liu reflected, ‘I voiced what fans wanted and shared those emotions. My story gives them great inspiration.’
She continued, ‘That champion moment shaped my identity profoundly. Through those massive challenges, today’s version of me emerged. No regrets in my heart—the time everyone invested revealed who I am, and I’m deeply grateful.’
On her comeback, Liu smiled, ‘I’m glad I challenged myself again.’22
