Alysa Liu Contends for Figure Skating Gold at 2026 Winter Olympics

MILAN (Azat TV) – U.S. figure skating sensation Alysa Liu is making her highly anticipated bid for Olympic gold in the women’s free skate final on Day 13 of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The 20-year-old from Oakland, California, is positioned just two points out of first place, strategically wedged among a formidable trio of Japanese rivals, as she seeks to end a decades-long drought for American women in Olympic figure skating.

Liu’s performance is a central highlight of the Games, drawing significant attention as she aims to replicate her success from last year when she became the first American world champion since Kimmie Meissner in 2006. Her journey to Milan Cortina follows a two-year retirement, during which she reportedly reprioritized her life and rediscovered her passion for the sport, culminating in this high-stakes return to the Olympic stage.

Alysa Liu’s Bid for Olympic Figure Skating Gold

Alysa Liu, a prominent figure in American figure skating, is currently among the top contenders for the coveted Olympic gold medal. Her presence in the final is particularly significant given her recent history. After finishing sixth at the Beijing Games, Liu stepped away from the sport for two years. Her subsequent comeback has been marked by renewed dedication and a triumphant return to elite competition, including her World Championship title last year in Boston. Now, she faces the ultimate test at the Winter Olympics.

Liu’s position, just two points behind the leader, underscores the intensity of the competition. She is the sole American skater holding a top spot amidst a strong field, particularly from Japan. Her approach to the pressure is notably calm; she has stated she does not ‘think about stuff like that,’ referring to the historical significance of her potential win, choosing instead to focus on her performance.

Challenging Japanese Rivals in Milan Cortina

The women’s figure skating final is shaping up to be a fierce battle, largely dominated by the Japanese contingent. Three Japanese skaters – Nakai, Sakamoto, and Mone Chiba, a world bronze medalist – are vying for top honors and collectively present a strong possibility for the first-ever women’s podium sweep in Olympic figure skating history. Nakai, a 17-year-old prodigy, has been particularly inspired by the legendary Mao Asada, adding another layer of narrative to the intense competition.

Liu’s ability to position herself within this dominant Japanese group highlights her exceptional skill and competitive spirit. As Mone Chiba expressed, skating to music like ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in Italy, she hopes to perform her best and ‘see how things are.’ The overall atmosphere in Milan is charged with anticipation for this grand finale.

A Decades-Long U.S. Olympic Drought

For the United States, Alysa Liu’s quest for gold carries profound historical weight. The ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ has not been played for an American woman on the Olympic figure skating podium since Sarah Hughes’ unexpected triumph at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. This nearly quarter-century drought adds immense pressure and expectation to Liu’s performance, making her attempt for gold not just a personal ambition but a national hope.

While Liu maintains a relaxed demeanor, the broader U.S. figure skating community and fans are keenly aware of the opportunity she represents. A victory for Liu would not only solidify her legacy but also rejuvenate American women’s figure skating on the global stage, marking a significant turning point after years of anticipation.

Other Figure Skating Highlights from Day 13

While all eyes are on the women’s free skate finale, other skaters have also delivered notable performances. Romania’s Julia Sauter, making her Olympic debut, achieved personal best scores in both her short and free programs, earning a total of 190.93 points. Austria’s Olga Mikutina, a five-time national champion, posted a season’s best of 123.87 points in her free skate for a total of 185.59 points. Italy’s Lara Naki Gutmann, known for her ‘SharkNaki’ program, contributed to Team Italy’s bronze in the team event and scored 195.75 points in her individual free skate.

U.S. Olympian Amber Glenn, who already secured a gold medal in the team event, is also competing in the women’s singles, making history as the oldest American woman to compete in the event in a century. Poland’s Ekaterina Kurakova, representing her adopted country since 2018, delivered an emotionally committed performance, while Switzerland’s Kimmy Repond rallied impressively despite a foot injury earlier in the season. These performances collectively contribute to the rich tapestry of the Olympic figure skating competition.

Alysa Liu’s journey at the Milan Cortina Games transcends individual achievement, embodying a narrative of personal resurgence and national aspiration. Her performance today could redefine the trajectory of U.S. figure skating, offering a potent symbol of renewed competitiveness against a backdrop of formidable international talent.