MILAN, Italy — Alysa Liu has etched her name into U.S. Figure skating history, claiming the Olympic gold medal at the Milan Cortina Games on Thursday night. Her near-flawless free skate, performed to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park Suite,” propelled her to victory and ended a 24-year drought for American women in the event.
The 20-year-old Liu, representing the San Francisco Bay Area, delivered a career-best performance, scoring 226.79 points. This triumph comes after a surprising return to the sport following a two-year hiatus, during which she grappled with burnout and explored other passions, including a trek to Mount Everest base camp and studies at UCLA.
The competition was fierce, with Japanese skaters Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai posing a significant challenge. Sakamoto secured the silver medal with a score of 224.90, adding to her bronze from the Beijing Olympics. Nakai claimed the bronze with 219.16 points.
The drama unfolded as Nakai and Sakamoto, skating immediately after Liu, both faltered on combination sequences, ultimately costing them the gold. Liu’s performance was a masterclass in composure and technical skill, showcasing the artistry that has captivated fans since she became the youngest U.S. Champion at age 13.
The moment was particularly poignant for Liu, who had previously walked away from the sport after the 2022 Beijing Games. Her decision to return, guided by coach Phillip DiGuglielmo, was driven by a renewed sense of joy and a desire to compete on her own terms. “Well,” DiGuglielmo recalled Liu saying, “I’m younger than all of them.”
The victory wasn’t solely Liu’s. The atmosphere in the arena was electric as U.S. Teammate Amber Glenn exuberantly celebrated Liu’s win, raising her hand in triumph. Liu, in turn, immediately congratulated the 17-year-old Nakai, embracing her after the final scores were announced, demonstrating a spirit of sportsmanship that resonated with the crowd.
Liu’s gold medal marks the first individual Olympic gold for an American woman in figure skating since Sarah Hughes’ victory at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. Prior to this, only Sasha Cohen had reached the podium for the U.S. In the event, earning a silver medal in 2006.
Glenn also had a strong showing, finishing fifth with a season-best free skate of 214.91 points. Her performance was a remarkable turnaround from a difficult short program earlier in the week. She fought back tears as her score was announced, briefly occupying the lead before being overtaken by Liu.
The competition also saw Russian athlete Adeliia Petrosian, competing as a neutral athlete, attempt a quadruple jump, but a fall on the quad toe loop ultimately hindered her chances. She finished just behind Glenn.
Japan’s Mone Chiba secured fourth place, following Petrosian’s performance. Liu, the reigning world champion – a title she won in 2025, ending a 19-year drought for American women – was the last to skate, and she delivered a performance that left no room for doubt. From her opening triple flip to her closing combination sequence, she skated with a carefree confidence that belied the immense pressure.
Her coaches, Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali, visibly celebrated her success, embracing each other and then greeting Liu with enthusiastic support as she awaited her final score. The culmination of years of dedication, a courageous comeback, and a flawless performance resulted in an Olympic title and the end of a long wait for American women’s figure skating.
Liu’s victory extends beyond the individual medal. She also contributed to the American team’s gold medal win earlier in the Milan Cortina Games, solidifying her position as a leading figure in U.S. Figure skating and a true American treasure.
