American figure skater Alysa Liu put forth an outstanding performance on Thursday night, securing a gold medal in the women’s individual event with a near-flawless free skate routine.
Liu jumped Japanese skaters Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai for top podium position at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, giving the United States its first women’s individual gold in 24 years.
Liu’s teammate, Amber Glenn, finished just off the podium in fifth place. Glenn held 13th position after recording an invalid element in her short program routine, but made up some serious ground with an excellent performance of redemption in the free skate.
Both Glenn and Liu have openly talked about the pressure that comes with being an Olympic figure skater.
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Liu temporarily retired from the sport at 16 years old, three years after she became the youngest U.S. champion ever. When she returned to the ice after her two-year hiatus, she brought the joy and care-free attitude that were on full display during her 2026 Olympic campaign.
Glenn believes Liu’s attitude could permanently alter the way athletes approach the sport.
“This is going to make such a great impact on so many people’s attitude towards the sport,” Glenn said.
“I think people will be able to see how she approaches the sport now versus before and see how much more successful it is now in a healthy way,” she continued. “And I’m hoping people can really learn from that.”
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Liu was asked about her inspirational story after her gold medal victory.
“I hope [my story is] inspiring, and I hope it allows for others to … break through more,” the 20-year-old figure skater said, via CBS News.
Liu wants aspiring figure skaters to forge their own paths and create their own stories.
“Don’t try to be the next me,” she said.
Glenn and Liu will take the ice yet again as participants in the Milano Cortina exhibition gala on Saturday.
