UCLA student Alysa Liu has won the gold medal in women’s figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, marking the first time an American woman has taken the top spot in this event since 2002. Liu competed as part of Team USA’s “Blade Angels,” alongside Isabeau Levito and Amber Glenn.
Liu’s short program took place on Tuesday, followed by her free skate on Thursday. Her performance secured her a place atop the podium at Milano Ice Skating Arena on February 19, 2026. The last American to win gold in this event was Sarah Hughes at the Salt Lake City Games, where fellow UCLA attendee Michelle Kwan earned bronze.
After retiring from competitive skating at age 16 following the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Liu returned to the sport inspired by a ski trip in early 2024. She told NBC, “Two years ago, I went on that ski trip, and I missed that jumping rush.”
Reflecting on her approach to competition, Liu said earlier this year to “60 Minutes,” “I’m really excited because my goal, honestly, is just to hype people up, give them an experience, whether it’s negative or positive. As long as people are feeling some strong emotions and anticipation, I’m fine with that.”
This comeback saw Liu making decisions independently about coaching and music selection. She also claimed victory at the World Figure Skating Championships in Boston last March.
A promotional video narrated by Taylor Swift described Liu’s journey: “Liu walked away from skating when she was 16, but then came back on her own terms… Joy fuels her now. Every jump a celebration. Every performance a testament to the beauty of knowing yourself.”
In addition to her individual gold medal, Liu contributed to Team USA’s win in the team competition alongside Glenn; ice dancing pair Madison Chock and Evan Bates; skating pair Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea; and Ilia Malinin.
“It’s been such a treat,” Liu told NBC’s “Today” regarding the team gold. “After having a COVID Olympics, this one definitely feels really different. And to be in the team event was extremely fun for me. I want to be in the team event every time now.”
