What Happened
Alysa Liu, a 20-year-old figure skater from Oakland, California, made history by winning two gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics held in Milan Cortina. This achievement marks the first Olympic gold for an American woman in figure skating since 2002. Liu delivered a near-flawless performance in the free skate, earning a career-best score of 226.79 points, outpacing her Japanese rivals Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai.
Why It Matters
Liu’s victory is significant not only for her personal career but also for the U.S. figure skating community, as it ends a 24-year drought for American women in Olympic gold medals in this sport. Her performance has inspired many, and her comeback story, having retired after the 2022 Beijing Games only to return triumphantly, resonates with athletes and fans alike.
What’s Next
In celebration of her achievements, Fentons Creamery and Restaurant in her hometown has offered Liu free ice cream for life and an invitation to host her homecoming party. As Liu continues to bask in her success, the figure skating world will be watching her next moves, including potential participation in future competitions and events.
