MILAN — Alysa Liu delivered the U.S. its first women’s figure skating Olympic gold medal in 24 years, performing a near-flawless free skate Thursday night in a glittering golden dress to upstage Japanese rivals Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai at the Milan Cortina Games.

By Rebecca Collins • February 28, 2026 • Share

The 20-year-old from the San Francisco Bay Area, who had walked away from the sport after the…

Her return to the ice was nothing short of miraculous, igniting hope and excitement among fans worldwide. Alysa’s performance was a testament to her resilience and passion for the sport she had once abandoned.

In the weeks leading up to the competition, Alysa faced numerous challenges, both physically and mentally. The pressure was immense; the world was watching, eager to see if she could reclaim her place at the top.

But on that fateful night, as she glided effortlessly across the ice, it was clear that Alysa had not only returned to form but had surpassed her previous accomplishments. Her jumps were higher, her spins faster, each movement executed with precision and grace.

The audience was captivated, holding their breath as she completed one technical maneuver after another. It was a performance that would be remembered for years to come, a defining moment in her career.

As the final notes of her music faded, the arena erupted into applause. Alysa had done it; she had secured her place in Olympic history.

The judges’ scores confirmed what everyone had felt in their hearts — a new champion had been crowned. Amidst the celebration, tears of joy and relief filled Alysa’s eyes.

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